November 2024

November 2024

National Philanthropy Day honorees

Payton Obert

Sherie Marek

Patty Rosely

Barbara Turner

Pam Weber

Photo > Pam Sibcy, Rob Sibcy, Julie K. Back, Robin Sibcy Sheakley

Movers &Makers

November 2024

Publisher’s Letter 4

Arts & Culture 5

MoversMakers.org

Cincinnati Art Museum focuses on local 5

Storytelling Festival shares tales 5

Opera updates: Black Opera and broadcasts 6

Major investment in creative programming at CSO 6

Manifest Gallery chosen for Summerfair Big Give Award 7

The A&C List 8

National Philanthropy Day honorees 18

Outstanding Youth: Payton Obert 18

Lifetime Achievement: M. Patricia Rosely 20

Outstanding Corporation: BT Rise, Barbara Turner 22

Volunteer: Pam Weber of PNC 24

Philanthropist: Sherie Marek 26

The Datebook

28

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

Nonprofit News 33

Names in the News 35

Gifts & Grants 38

Snapshots 40

Hats Off on the Ohio 40

Ronald McDonald House brings in more than $1.1M 42

CancerFree Kids hits million-dollar mark 43

AJC honors couples who foster unity 44

ArtWorks makes Newport shine 46

Beech Acres breakfast brings home the bacon 48

Children’s Law celebrates 35 years at brunch 50

Magnified Giving touts ‘Giving is Good’ 52

Talbert House recognizes community leaders 53

NKY Chamber presents business honors 54

Valley Interfaith raises more than $617K 57

Life Learning Center gala garners $429K 58

Community Action Agency celebrates 60 years 61

Movers & Makers Mix & Mingle at Ballet Center 65

The Last Word 66

Polly Campbell: The pleasure of shared arts experiences

Met membership has its privileges, from cuisine to camaraderie to catch-your-breath views.

Uniting diverse leaders who desire to make a difference in our region. Since 1991.

We crafted Movers & Makers to showcase two of the most admirable qualities of being human: generosity and creativity. Often overlooked is how these qualities are interconnected by the act of sharing. Financial contributions, strategic leadership and artistic creativity are all acts of sharing, acts of generosity. This month, we spotlight those whose contributions to Greater Cincinnati nonprofits – their time, talent and treasure – have been judged by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as rising to the very top. See Page 18 for our series of profiles of National Philanthropy Day honorees written by Nadya Ellerhorst, Feoshia Davis, Cindy Starr, Julie Coppens and Shauna Steigerwald. And thanks to Wendell Gibbs Jr. for sharing his photographic talents.

And speaking of sharing, Polly Campbell explores the pleasure of shared experiences of public performance and exhibits, and also of respectfully sharing opinions, something all too rare these days.

See Page 66.

Those of you used to seeing Polly’s offerings on Page 50 may be wondering why all the extra pages this month. One reason is that we received increased advertising support for this issue, and we sincerely thank those companies and organizations investing in our work. But these extra pages are significantly filled with photos from a plethora of fall fundraising events, where thousands of your fellow Greater Cincinnatians have generously shared their bounty to make the region a continually better place to be. Check out Pages 40 to 65 to see whom you might recognize among

Mix & Mingle

eatwell celebrations & feasts* 518 York St., Newport

The publishers at the Hats Off luncheon in October

those pictured. We wager you will know at least one. An invitation to all our readers: Who are the people you think worthy of recognition in Movers & Makers during 2025? What are the sectors of the nonprofit ecosystem upon which we should shine our light? What are the topics deserving or in need of our attention? Help us plan our editorial calendar for our next trip around the sun. Email tmariner@ moversmakers.org with your suggestions.

In this season of gratitude, we are thankful that you take the time to bring M&M into your life. Please share with a friend. Gratefully, Thom & Elizabeth Mariner Co-publishers

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Arts & Culture

Cincinnati Art Museum goes local

20th-century Ohio artist George Bellows

A new Cincinnati Art Museum exhibit is providing a glimpse into everyday life in 20th-century America from the perspective of celebrated Ohio painter, illustrator and printmaker George Bellows.

“George Bellows: American Life in Print” features dozens of lithographs and drawings gifted and lent by Dr. James and Lois Sanitato, as well as other works.

Bellows, born in Columbus in 1882, was known for his works’ social realism, according

to Kristin Spangenberg, CAM’s curator of prints. An example is his scenes of boxers in the ring. Four of these works will be in the exhibition, along with intimate studies of his family and friends, snapshots of American life, a look at the impact of World War I and more.

The free exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of Bellows’ passing. It will be on display through Feb. 9, 2025.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

George Bellows (American, 18821925), Dempsey and Firpo, 1924, lithograph, gift of Albert P. Strietmann

Museum staffers’ work featured in new exhibit

The Cincinnati Art Museum is turning the tables this fall with an exhibition of work by museum staffers who usually work behind the scenes, organizing and presenting exhibitions.

“CAMaraderie: Artists of the Cincinnati Art Museum,” a collection of about 70 works by nearly 40 CAM employees, opens Nov. 8 and runs through Jan. 5, 2025, in the museum's Western and Southern Galleries. The exhibition is free to the public.

The featured CAM professionals come from various facets of the museum's operations, including curatorial, conservation, learning and interpretation, exhibitions, marketing, registration, security and visitor services.

Several staffers also will serve as artists-in-residence with studio space inside the exhibition: Josh Rectenwald (installation), Jill Cleary (visitor services), William Morris (security), Zoë Lynn (exhibitions) and Obie Linn (conservation).

“I am thrilled to see the outstanding talents of the creators on our CAM

Do tell: Festival presents a wealth of stories

Once upon a time, way back in the year 2020, there lived a group of people in Cincinnati who loved to tell stories – and to listen to them. So they decided to create an event on Cincinnati’s West Side where folks could gather ’round from all across the land to enjoy the spinning of fairy tales, scary stories, tickle-your-ribs yarns and more.

Thus was born the Cincinnati Storytelling Festival, which will hold its 2024 edition on the weekend of Nov. 14-16 at West Side Brewing and Westwood Town Hall, both locations seemingly conducive to the telling of tall tales.

One of the festival’s aims, according to its website, is to demonstrate “that traditional stories don’t have to be stuffy, that folk storytellers can

tell contemporary stories that make Gen Z, millennials and babyboomers alike guffaw shamelessly and cry openly.”

Paul Strickland, festival co-founder and artistic director, is one of the event’s featured professional raconteurs, along with Lyn Ford, a noted storyteller in her family’s Affrilachian (Black Appalachian) tradition, and Andy Offutt Irwin, who has been described as “equal parts mischievous schoolboy and the Marx Brothers, peppered with a touch of the Southern balladeer.”

The festival opens 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 with a Preview Night at West Side Brewing. Friday, Nov. 15 includes a 6 p.m. “Laugh Riot” at West Side Brewing, followed by “Spooky Stories” at 8:30 p.m. at Westwood Town Hall.

Rachael Jordan, “Cincinnati Art Academy in Bloom”

staff light up the galleries of the museum,” said museum Director Cameron Kitchin.

Dennis Harrington, former director of Weston Art Gallery, and Anissa Lewis, director of Wave Pool, chose the artwork through an anonymous submission process.

The multimedia exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, photography and digital media.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

A free program of children’s stories opens the Saturday, Nov. 16 schedule at 2 p.m. at Cincinnati Public Library’s Westwood Branch, followed by three storytelling sessions at Westwood Town Hall. Tickets are available for individual sessions, as well as day passes and a full weekend pass.

 cincystoryfest.com

Paul Strickland, festival co-founder and artistic director

Opera announces WGUC air dates, new schedule for Black Opera Project

Cincinnati Opera has revised the schedule for its Black Opera Project, and also has announced that performances from its 2024 Summer Festival will air on WGUC 90.9 FM on Sunday evenings in November.

The performance timeline for the opera’s Black Opera Project, an initiative that aims to commission three new operas by Black artists celebrating Black stories, has been postponed by about a year.

The first opera, “Lalovavi” – an Afrofuturist opera with music by Kevin Day – will premiere during the 2026 Summer Festival, instead of June 2025.

The second opera, “Good Trouble: The Boy from Troy,” inspired by the life of U.S. Rep. John Lewis with music by Maria Thompson Corley, will premiere in the 2027 summer season instead of

summer 2026.

A third, not-yet-announced opera project will be presented in the summer of 2028.

Also, the Cincinnati Opera and WGUC have released the schedule for broadcasts of the 2024 Summer Festival productions on the Cincinnati classical public radio station:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” will air at 8 p.m. Nov. 3; Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” will be broadcast at 8 p.m. Nov. 10; and Paul McCartney’s “Liverpool Oratorio,” which received its first fully staged production in Cincinnati, will be on WGUC at 8 p.m. Nov. 17.

The performances can be heard online at wguc.org as well as on the air at 90.9 FM.

 cincinnatiopera.org, wguc.org

Elliot Madore in Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 production of “Don Giovanni”

Rosenbergs endow CSO $10M to help spur future innovations

Dianne and J. David Rosenberg pledged an initial endowment of $10 million to support Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s efforts to evolve artistic and educational experiences.

The CSO envisions the Dianne and J. David Rosenberg Innovation Fund as a way to fuel programming and initiatives focused on making orchestra music more engaging for audiences and students. As part of the donation, the Rosenbergs outlined plans to continue to make investments into the fund over time.

The fund’s impact will soon be evident as the CSO expands education and concert innovation initiatives, including new commissions, recordings and experimental concerts like the

OutReels Cincinnati brings three-day film festival to Incline Theater

The 2024 OutReels Cincinnati Film Festival, devoted to films with an LGBTQ+ theme or interest, is set for Nov. 8-10 at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater in East Price Hill.

The three-day festival will showcase 17 short and feature films from around the world, shown over eight time blocks of about 90 minutes to two hours each, most offering a mix of shorts and feature films.

The opening-night session at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 centers on “Booked,” a feature-length comedy directed by Cassie Maurer and produced in Cincinnati.

OutReels, founded in 2012, is a volunteer-run organization that aims to enlighten, educate and entertain the community through the showing and

discussion of films with LGBTQ+ themes.

During its decade-plus, the festival has had soldout sessions with actors, producers, directors and guests from throughout the country.

MeetNKY, the Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau, is again the festival’s title sponsor.

Tickets, $12 for each time block or $56 for the entire weekend, are available online or by calling the theater at 513-241-6550. Tickets also will be available at the door. The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater is at 801 Matson Place in the Incline District.  outreelscincinnati.org, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/Incline

CSO Proof series. In the 2024-25 season, the CSO will present two CSO Proofs and pilot two new Friday experiences, including Dvořák Deconstructed with Music Director Designate Cristian Măcelaru in February 2025.

Other planned initiatives include audience research, new performance approaches and surveys of concertgoers.

Jonathan Martin, CSO president and CEO, called the Rosenbergs “exceptional leaders and visionaries who consistently demonstrate their commitment to enhancing our community through meaningful philanthropic investments.”

 cincinnatisymphony.org

Incoming music director Christian Macelăru conducting the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Manifest Gallery wins $100K Big Give Award from Summerfair

Summerfair has chosen Manifest Gallery as the next recipient of its annual Big Give Award. Over the next four years, Manifest will receive an annual grant of $25,000 from Summerfair.

Manifest, founded in 2004, opens its galleries to the community for free, five days a week, including evenings. The nonprofit plans to convert its Manifest Drawing Center studio and darkroom at 3464 Central Parkway into The Manifest Center for the Visual Arts over the next two years.

Jason Franz, Manifest’s chief operating officer, said this $100,000 gift will make it possible to renovate and preserve Manifest’s historic campus on Central Parkway. He noted that the funding will support the organization’s efforts to offer expanded art education opportunities, artist support and exhibitions featuring internationally recognized artists.

“Summerfair has supported Manifest and its individual artists for years,” said Jayne Utter, Summerfair’s managing director. “When we received an invitation to tour their new building, we jumped at the opportunity. What they shared with us was so exciting that we wanted to contribute to their building fund!”

For over 50 years, Summerfair has aided young artists, individual artists and community-based arts organizations through awards, scholarships and exhibitions. Since 1968, Summerfair has awarded over $2 million.

 manifestgallery.org

ArtsWave launches mobile app

ArtsWave has launched a new mobile app, offering a connection to Cincinnati’s arts and entertainment scene, with discounted tickets to some events.

The ArtsWave App aims to make it easy to discover performances, visual arts, live music, sporting events and more. It features a comprehensive calendar that users can customize to their interests.

ArtsWave members can access exclusive deals, including 50%-off ticket offers to over 100 arts experiences, free and last-minute passes, and retail and dining savings.

To download the app, visit your Apple or Android app store and search for “ArtsWave.”

 artswave.org

“One of the most in-demand opera singers with a string of accolades and awards.”

Colleen Kennedy, Classical Post

“One of the brightest talents on the American opera scene to emerge in the new millennium.”

Jason Victor Serinus nationally published music critic

• Recipient of the Richard Tucker Award and winner of the Marilyn Horne Foundation Vocal Competition

• Multiple Grammy winner

• Has performed at prominent international venues, appearing with some of the foremost conductors of her time

Summerfair committed funds to help Manifest Gallery complete renovations on its headquarters and expand its mission.

The A&C List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

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

ƒ Historic tours

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

ƒ Permanent collection

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

ƒ Hands-on educational experiences

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

ƒ Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky

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

ƒ Oldest home in Cincinnati –by appointment only

Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | Findlay Market. 513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org

ƒ Exploring Queen City beer history

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | Brady Music Center, Smale Park. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org

ƒ Open daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

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

ƒ Permanent collection

Cincinnati Food Tours | Findlay Market. 513-602-5602. cincinnatifoodtours.com

ƒ Exploring Queen City food culture

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

ƒ Nov. 9-Jan. 6. “Holiday Junction” feat. Duke Energy Holiday Trains

Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org

ƒ Oldest professional observatory in U.S.

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

ƒ Permanent collection of equipment, tools and artifacts

Design Lab | 513-421-4469. designlearnandbuild.org

ƒ Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. Construction Tour: new Cincinnati Public Radio headquarters (Evanston)

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

ƒ Indoor tours and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark

Glendale Heritage Preservation | 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 | Pendleton. 513-300-3664. police-museum.org

ƒ Permanent collection

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

ƒ Nov. 9, 3:30 p.m. Specialty Tour: “Pulpit as Pen: Considering Harriet Beecher Stowe as a Public Theologian”

ƒ Nov. 16, 1 p.m. Walking Tour: “African American History Along the Cincinnati Riverfront”

ƒ Nov. 23, 1 p.m. Walking Tour: “Abolitionists and African Americans in Walnut Hills”

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

ƒ Nov. 6, 7-10 p.m. Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tour

ƒ Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. Period Dinner: “The Nutcracker: Tchaikovsky’s Ballet”

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

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

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

ƒ Nov. 2-Jan. 5. “Solstice Glow”

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

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

Holiday Trains return to Cincinnati Museum Center, Nov. 9 through Jan. 6

Loveland Castle & Museum | Loveland. lovelandcastle.com

ƒ Full-scale replica of medieval castle

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

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

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

ƒ World’s largest military aviation museum

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

ƒ Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom

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

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

Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com

ƒ Exotic aquatic creatures

Nights of Lights | Clermont County Fairgrounds, Owensville

ƒ Nov. 23-Jan. 5. Drive-thru holiday light display

RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org

ƒ Nov. 24, 1-4 p.m. Open house at birds of prey sanctuary

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

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

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

ƒ Historic home and art museum

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

ƒ Permanent exhibitions of military and historic aviation

Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewcampus.org

ƒ Preserved 190-acre farm and open land

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

ƒ World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism

White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org

ƒ Preserved historic village

Dance

Bi-Okoto Drum and Dance Theater | 513-221-6112. bi-okoto.com

ƒ Nov. 10, 2 p.m. “Rhythms of Our Land” (Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Clifton)

Cincinnati Ballet | 513-621-5219. cballet.org

ƒ Oct. 31-Nov. 3. “Giselle” (Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine)

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

ƒ Nov. 30-Dec. 15. “The Nutcracker, Jazzed Up!”

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

ƒ Nov. 25, 7 p.m. “Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase” (Greaves Concert Hall)

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt | Moerlein Lager House, The Banks, downtown. cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com

ƒ Nov. 22-Jan. 5. Wednesdays-Sundays

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

ƒ Nov. 21-Jan. 5. Festival of Lights

City Flea | thecityflea.com

ƒ Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fall Vintage Market (Factory 52, Norwood)

Crafty Supermarket | Music Hall Ballroom, Over-the-Rhine. craftysupermarket.com

ƒ Nov. 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fall Show

Grace Holiday Market | Grace Green Acres Farm near Lebanon. gracegreenbeauty.com

ƒ Nov. 2-3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

ƒ Nov. 22-Dec. 31. Holidays on the Farm (Parky’s Farm)

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market | Sharonville Convention Center, Sharonville. cincinnatiholidaymarket.com

ƒ Nov. 8-10. Annual kickoff to the holiday shopping season

Kings Island | Mason. 513-754-5700. visitkingsisland.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. Halloween Haunt

ƒ Thru Nov. 3. Tricks and Treats

ƒ Nov. 29-Dec. 31. WinterFest

Madeira Farmers Market | Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com

ƒ Thursdays through Dec. 12, 4-6 p.m. Local growers and purveyors

Midwest Prana Flea Market | Esoteric Brewing, Walnut Hills. midwestprana.com

ƒ Nov. 30, noon-6 p.m.

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

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

Film

FotoFocus | fotofocus.org

ƒ Nov. 2, 1 p.m. Gee Horton and Shay Nartker: short film (Kennedy Heights Arts Center)

ƒ Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m. “Don’t Talk About It, Be About It” (PAR-Projects, Northside)

OutReels Cincinnati | Incline Theater, Price Hill. 513-241-6550. outreelscincinnati.org

ƒ Nov. 9-11. Independent film festival exploring LGBTQA+ themes

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

ƒ Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m. “The Line”

ƒ Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. “1-800-On-Her-Own”

Literary/Lectures

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

ƒ Nov. 12, 3 p.m. Discussion: Louise Erdrich “The Mighty Red” (virtual)

ƒ Nov. 21, 3 p.m. Discussion: Emma C. Wells “This Girl’s A Killer” (virtual)

Books by the Banks | Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, downtown. booksbythebanks.org

ƒ Nov. 16. Local, regional and national authors

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

ƒ Nov. 26, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. See the Story: Michael Finkel “Art Thief”

Cincinnati Poetry Slam | Artsville, Madisonville. cincinnatipoetryslam.com

ƒ Nov. 9, 5 p.m.

Cincinnati Storytelling Festival | Westside Brewing and Westwood Town Hall. cincystoryfest.com

ƒ Nov. 14-16. National and international storytellers

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

ƒ Nov. 6, 7 p.m. Discussion: John Getz and Keturah Nix “The Marrow of Tradition: Charles Chesnutt and the Wilmington Massacre of 1898”

ƒ Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Discussion: Chris Cross “Beat the Drum for Justice”

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

ƒ Nov. 9, 5 p.m. Discussion: James Rapien “Enter the Jungle: Photographs and History of the Cincinnati Bengals”

ƒ Nov. 22, 7 p.m. Discussion: Carissa Broadbent “The Songbird and the Heart of Stone”

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

ƒ Nov. 20, 6 p.m. Sandra Spataro: “Dare to Inspire: Activating Inspiration to Have Your Best Days More Often”

Sitwell’s Coffee House | Clifton. facebook.com/poetryatsitwells

ƒ Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Poetry Night Open Mic

Urban Appalachian Community Coalition | uacvoice.org

ƒ Final Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m. Place Keepers Wide Open Mic (virtual)

The Well | thewell.world

ƒ Nov. 20, 3 p.m. Mindful Poetry Moments Gathering (virtual): Shivani Gupta

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

ƒ Nov. 24, 6 p.m. Open mic poetry

Music

Antigone Music Collective | antigonestringquartet.com

ƒ Nov. 23-24. “An Evening of Firsts” (The Well, Camp Washington)

Athenaeum of Ohio | Mt. Washington. athenaeum.edu

ƒ Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Amanda Mole: “Organ Recital” (Chapel of St. Gregory the Great)

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

ƒ Nov. 24, 5 p.m. “Vespers” Orchestra and Chorale

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

ƒ Nov. 1, 7 p.m. Riot Ten

ƒ Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Drive-By Truckers

ƒ Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Livingston

ƒ Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m. Black Dahlia Murder

ƒ Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Lil Darkie

ƒ Nov. 11, 7 p.m. City and Colour

ƒ Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Wyatt Flores

ƒ Nov. 13, 6 p.m. Microwave

ƒ Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Led Zeppelin 2

ƒ Nov. 16, 7 p.m. Ashley Cooke

ƒ Nov. 19, 7 p.m. Wooli

ƒ Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Animals As Leaders

ƒ Nov. 24, 6 p.m. Plot In You

ƒ Nov. 26, 7 p.m. BabyTron & BLP Kosher

ƒ Nov. 27, 6 p.m. State Champs

ƒ Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m. Jack Kays

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

ƒ Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Latto

ƒ Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Life is a Carnival

ƒ Nov. 8-10, 7:30 p.m. Goose

ƒ Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. Say Anything

ƒ Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Flatland Cavalry

ƒ Nov. 23, 8 p.m. Babymetal

ƒ Nov. 29, 8 p.m. In This Moment

Bromwell’s Hearth Room | Downtown. bromwellshearthroom.com/music

ƒ Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Butler Philharmonic | 513-844-5151. butlerphil.org

ƒ Nov. 3, 3 p.m. Open Door Pantry Concert (The Presbyterian Church, Hamilton)

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

ƒ Most evenings, live jazz

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

ƒ Nov. 17, 3 p.m. CCM Brass Choir and Chamber Choir

Chamber Music Cincinnati | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-342-6870. cincychamber.org

ƒ Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Cuarteto Casals

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

ƒ Nov. 10, 4 p.m. Viano Quartet

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

ƒ Nov. 3, 5 p.m. Duruflé: Requiem. Cathedral Choir

◆ Music Live@Lunch

(Christ Church Chapel):

‚ Nov. 5, 12:10 p.m. Nick Greenberg Trio

‚ Nov. 12, 12:10 p.m. CCM harpsichord and organ students

‚ Nov. 19, 12:10 p.m. Wayside Winds

‚ Nov. 26, 12:10 p.m. Rabbit Hash String Band

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

ƒ Nov. 7, 12:05 p.m. BARQ Reed Quintet

Cincinnati Arts Association | Music Hall Ballroom. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org

ƒ Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Harry James Orchestra

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

ƒ Nov. 16, 2 p.m. Jazz@First Series: Alan Barnes Octet: From Jelly Roll to Miles (First Unitarian Church, Avondale)

ƒ Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Big Band Series. Good Vibes Only feat. vibraphonist Rusty Burge (The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout Square)

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

ƒ Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Peter Richard Conte, organ; Stacey Rishoi, mezzo-soprano

Cincinnati Song Initiative | cincinnatisonginitiative.org

ƒ Nov. 3, 3 p.m. “Goethe: Unbounded” (ARCO, Price Hill)

Cincinnati Sound Chorus | 513-554-2648. cincinnatisound.org

ƒ Nov. 23, 2 & 7 p.m. Yuletide Celebration (The Carnegie, Covington)

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

ƒ Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. (Pops) Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack

ƒ Nov. 16-17. (CSO) “Bernstein & Shostakovich” Marin Alsop, conductor; May Festival Chorus (also livestream)

ƒ Nov. 22-23. (CSO) “Mozart & The ThreeCornered Hat” Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor; Catalina Cuervo, mezzo-soprano

ƒ Nov. 25-26. (CSO YP) “Homegrown Harmony”

ƒ Nov. 30-Dec. 1. (Pops) “Home Alone: Film in Concert” Damon Gupton, conductor

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

ƒ Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. “Renewal” CCM Wind Symphony, Kevin Holzman, conductor (Corbett Theater)

ƒ Nov. 3, 2 p.m. “Rebirth and Renewal” UC Choruses (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. CCM Percussion Ensemble (Corbett Theater)

ƒ Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. CCM Horn Choir (Werner Recital Hall)

ƒ Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. “Organ and Choir” CCM Chorale (Church of the Redeemer)

ƒ Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. “Blues and Ballads” CCM Jazz Lab Band (Corbett Theater)

ƒ Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. “Sneak Preview” CCM Chamber Choir (Mason High School)

Marin Alsop leads the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in a fascinating juxtaposition of 20th-century works evoking peace and war, Nov. 16-17

ƒ Nov. 17, 3 p.m. “Brass Meets Organ” CCM Brass Choir (Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington)

ƒ Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. Contemporary Art Music Project (Cohen Studio Theater)

ƒ Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music Bash (Cohen Studio Theater)

ƒ Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Music Bash (CCM, Rm. 3250)

ƒ Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. “Masterworks” CCM Wind Ensemble, Kevin Holzman, conductor (Corbett Theater)

ƒ Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. CCM Wind Symphony Chamber Winds and Eastman Wind Ensemble (Corbett Theater)

ƒ Nov. 24, 7 p.m. “Wonderland” CCM Jazz Orchestra, Scott Belck, music director (Corbett Theater)

ƒ Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. “Aus Deutschland” Guido Runstadt, guest conductor (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. “Themes and Variations” CCM Concert Orchestra (Corbett Auditorium)

Dayton Philharmonic | Schuster Center, Dayton. daytonperformingarts.org

ƒ Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. “Broadway By Request”

ƒ Nov. 8-9, 7:30 p.m. “Beethoven, London, and a World Premiere”

ƒ Nov. 22-23, 7:30 p.m. “Elf in Concert”

Greater Cincinnati Guitar Society | cincinnatiguitarsociety.org

ƒ Nov. 10, 4 p.m. Colombian guitarist Carlos Bedoya (Wyoming Fine Arts Center)

Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ Nov. 1, 8 p.m. The Jacksons

ƒ Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Warrant and Lita Ford

ƒ Nov. 24, 8 p.m. Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

ƒ Nov. 29, 8 p.m. Bret Michaels

Photo by n ancy h orowitz

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Jelly Roll

ƒ Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Billie Eilish

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

ƒ Nov. 10, 4 p.m. Doppelflöte

Imperial Theatre | imperialmohawk.org

ƒ Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Fall Performance Series: Queen City Cabaret (Knox Joseph Distillery, OTR StillHouse)

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

ƒ Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Ray Moore

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra | Greaves Hall, Northern Kentucky University. 859-431-6216. kyso.org

ƒ Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. “Sinister Sonorities”

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

◆ A World of Music:

‚ Nov. 2, 10:30 a.m. (Union Presbyterian Church)

‚ Nov. 4, 6 p.m. (Monfort Heights Branch Library)

‚ Nov. 13, 11 a.m. (Northside Branch Library)

‚ Nov. 13, 6 p.m. (Walton Branch Library)

‚ Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. (Immanuel Presbyterian Church)

‚ Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m. (Heritage Presbyterian Church)

Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. Stacy Mitchhart

ƒ Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Trippin Billies

ƒ Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m. Boney James

ƒ Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. Goapele

ƒ Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. Samantha Fish

ƒ Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. Patty Griffin, Hayes Carll & Lori McKenna

ƒ Nov. 13, 9:30 p.m. Mason’s Children

ƒ Nov. 14-15, 7:30 p.m. Norman Brown

ƒ Nov. 16, 3 & 8 p.m. Toast: The Ultimate Bread Experience

ƒ Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Wishbone Ash

ƒ Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. The Tubes

ƒ Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. Marion Meadows

ƒ Nov. 30, 8 p.m. Ark Band

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

ƒ Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Stones vs. Beatles

ƒ Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Doom Flamingo

ƒ Nov. 3, 5 p.m. Relentless Fest

ƒ Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Yngwie Malmsteen

ƒ Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Tauk

ƒ Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Signs of Life

ƒ Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Start Making Sense

ƒ Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Ouija Macc

ƒ Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Sneezy

ƒ Nov. 23, 9 p.m. Aweminus

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

ƒ Nov. 1, 7 p.m. Struggle Jennings

ƒ Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Kameron Marlowe

ƒ Nov. 22, 8 p.m. R&B Only Live

ƒ Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m. Underoath

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

ƒ Nov. 3, 8 p.m. RiseUp Series: Syleena Johnson

ƒ Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Estrada do Sol Grande Banda

ƒ Nov. 5, 8 p.m. California Dreams

Sounds of L.A. 1965-1975

ƒ Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. Turn to Stone:

A Tribute to ELO

ƒ Nov. 9, 8 p.m. Jimmy Webb

ƒ Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Myles Ellington Twitty: “The Vibe: The Music of Roy Hargrove”

ƒ Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Paul Thorn

ƒ Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Four Strangers Quartet: “Let’s Take the Coltrane”

ƒ Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

ƒ Nov. 22, 8 p.m. Eagles Project

ƒ Nov. 25, 7 p.m. Dixie Karas Quintet

ƒ Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. Christmas with The Celts

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

ƒ Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Steel Drum

ƒ Nov. 6-7, 7:30 p.m. Unheard of Ensemble (Center for Performing Arts)

ƒ Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. Men’s Glee Club

ƒ Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m. Brass Ensemble (Center for Performing Arts)

ƒ Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. Percussion Ensemble (Center for Performing Arts)

ƒ Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble

ƒ Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Composition Studio Concert (Center for Performing Arts)

ƒ Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. Laptop Ensemble (McVey Data Science Building)

ƒ Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. Symphony Orchestra

Miami University Regionals | miamioh.edu/regionals

ƒ Nov. 9, 4 p.m. Old-time Music Jam (Middletown campus)

2024–2025

Northern Kentucky University | Greaves Concert Hall, Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. music.nku.edu

ƒ Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Brass Area Recital

ƒ Nov. 6, 7 p.m. String Area Recital

ƒ Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Percussion Ensemble

ƒ Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Piano Area Recital

ƒ Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Woodwind Area Recital

ƒ Nov. 17, 3 p.m. Jazz Combos

ƒ Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Brass Choir

ƒ Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Burdette Voice Studio

ƒ Nov. 19, 7 p.m. Vocal Jazz Ensemble

ƒ Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Symphonic Winds

Queen City Cabaret | queencitycabaretcincy.com

ƒ Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Imperial Fall Performance Series (Knox Joseph Distillery, OTR StillHouse)

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Concert Series | Montgomery. st-barnabas.org

ƒ Nov. 3, 3 p.m. Blue Wisp Big Band

Seven Hills Baroque | First Lutheran Church, Over-the-Rhine. 7hillsbaroque.org

ƒ Nov. 17, 3 p.m. “The Four Elements: Earth”

Melissa Freilich, flutist & Vincent Ryan, organist

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

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

ƒ Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. Showcase Soirée

Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org

ƒ Nov. 8, 8 p.m. Simply Queen

ƒ Nov. 9, 8 p.m. Chicago Transit (Chicago tribute band)

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

ƒ Nightly, rock, alternative blues, etc.

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ Nov. 13, 7 p.m. Dawes: Oh Brother Tour

ƒ Nov. 22, 8 p.m. The Wood Brothers

Turfway Park Events Center | Florence. turfway.com

ƒ Nov. 1, 9 p.m. Josh Turner

Viva Voices | vivavoices.net

ƒ Nov. 16, 4 p.m. Chorale & Chamber Ensemble: “The Music of Dan Forrest” (Mother of God Church, Covington)

ƒ Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Children’s Choir & Youth Chorus Fall Concert (St. Agnes Church, Ft. Wright)

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

ƒ Nov. 9, 8 p.m. Wussy

ƒ Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Craig Finn

ƒ Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Ric Hordinski

ƒ Nov. 27 & 29-30, 8 p.m. The Raisins

Xavier Music Series | Gallagher Center Theater, Xavier University. 513-745-3161. xavier.edu/musicseries

ƒ Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Too Many Zooz (Brass House trio)

ƒ Nov. 12, 8 p.m. Sara Daneshpour, classical piano

ƒ Nov. 20, 8 p.m. Leo Genovese, jazz piano (Bellarmine Chapel, Xavier)

Opera

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

ƒ Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Mozart: “La Finta Giardinera” (Patricia Corbett Theater)

Theater

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

ƒ Nov. 8-16. “Fun Home”

MUSIC AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Sublime music in worship and concert

Sunday, November 3 | 5:00 pm

Duruflé’s Requiem

Sunday, December 1 | 5:00 pm Advent Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 8 | 3:00 pm

Handel’s complete Messiah

Saturday, December 14 | 7:00 pm

Sheehan’s A Christmas Carol

Learn more: cincinnaticathedral.com/music

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

ƒ Nov. 19-Dec. 1. “Funny Girl”

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

ƒ Nov. 14-17. “Witch”

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

ƒ Nov. 14, 8 p.m. “A Drag Queen Christmas”

ƒ Nov. 19-24. “Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’”

Candice Handy as Maria in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, opening Nov. 15

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein”

ƒ Nov. 15-Dec. 7. “Twelfth Night”

Clifton Players | Liberty Exhibition Hall, Northside. 513-813-7469. cliftonperformancetheatre.com

ƒ Nov. 1-10. “Ghost Girls”

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

ƒ Nov. 14-17. “Witch” (The Carnegie, Covington)

| Artsville, Madisonville. cincinnatiblacktheatre.org

6550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, |

Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center,

phone address email 513-621-1817

318 E. 4th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 hello@cccath.org

Beginning of Forever” by Bertha Lynn

ƒ Nov. 21-23. Musical Theatre Series: Bernstein/Comden and Green: “Wonderful Town” (Corbett Auditorium, CCM)

Commonwealth Sanctuary | Dayton, Ky. commonwealthsanctuary.com ƒ Weekly comedy shows

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

ƒ Nov. 26-Dec. 1. “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical”

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

ƒ Nov. 15-24. “Almost, Maine”

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

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

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

ƒ Nov. 15-17. “The Haunting of Hill House”

Photo by Mikki s chaffner

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

ƒ Nov. 1-16. “Mindgame”

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

ƒ Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. “Captain Nemo’s Adventure Academy”

ƒ Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. An Evening With Morgan James

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

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Gold Over America Tour featuring Simone Biles

ƒ Nov. 23-24. “Paw Patrol Live”

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

ƒ Thursday-Saturday evenings. Comedy shows

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

ƒ Nov. 1-Dec. 29. “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”

Lamplight Theater | Madeira. lamplighttheater.org

ƒ Nov. 15-23. “It’s A Wonderful Life”

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

ƒ Nov. 8-17. “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”

Loveland Stage Company | Loveland. 513-443-4572. lovelandstagecompany.org

ƒ Nov. 1-17. “Disenchanted!”

Lumos Players I Maineville. lumosplayers.com

ƒ Nov. 15-23. “The Revolutionists”

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 17. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”

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

ƒ Nov. 15-23. “Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap”

Miami University | Center for Performing Arts, Oxford. miamioh.edu/theatre

ƒ Nov. 20-24. “Peter and the Starcatcher”

Middletown Lyric Theatre | Finkelman Auditorium, Middletown. 513-425-7140. middletownlyric.org

ƒ Nov. 9-16. “The Thanksgiving Play”

Mount St. Joseph University | Delhi. 513-244-4387. msj.edu

ƒ Nov. 7-16. “The Oregon Trail”

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 3. “The Wolves” (Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center)

ƒ Nov. 15-23. “Anything Goes”

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

ƒ Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Dennis Piper, comedian

ƒ Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Lexington Children’s Theatre: “Winnie the Pooh”

Playhouse in the Park |

Mt. Adams. 513-421-3888. cincyplay.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 10. “Rutka: A New Musical” (Rouse Theatre)

ƒ Thru Dec. 22. “The Second City” (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre)

ƒ Nov. 22-Dec. 29. “A Christmas Carol” (Rouse Theatre)

Royal Theatre Company | Mason. royaltheatrecompany.com

ƒ Nov. 8-10. “Annie Jr.”

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

ƒ Nov. 6-8. “Newsies Jr.”

ƒ Nov. 8-9. “Peter and the Starcatcher”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ Nov. 1, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Jim Gaffigan, comedian

ƒ Nov. 2, 5 & 8 p.m. Jim Gaffigan, comedian

ƒ Nov. 3, 7 p.m. Jim Gaffigan, comedian

ƒ Nov. 6, 6 p.m. Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play

ƒ Nov. 7, 8 p.m. Giggly Squad

ƒ Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Steve-O

ƒ Nov. 23, 2 p.m. Blippi

ƒ Nov. 24, 8 p.m. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

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

ƒ Nov. 15-24. “No Exit” • “Janitor’s Closet” • “The Choreographers’ Workshop”

Visual Art

FF denotes a FotoFocus exhibit

Alternate Projects | The Summit Hotel, Madisonville. 513-236-9189. alternateprojects.net

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. Heather Jones: “A Sort of Homecoming” (also virtual)

Antioch College - Herndon Gallery | South Hall, Yellow Springs. 937-319-0114. antiochcollege.edu/herndon-gallery

ƒ Thru Nov. 29 FF Juan-Si González: “Looking For Cuba Inside”

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 1 FF “Another First Impression” • “Digressions” • “Humphrey Gets His Flowers” (SITE1212)

ƒ Nov. 1-Dec. 6. Kyle Angel: “Acrylics on “CAMP” • Harry Shokler: Selected Prints and Process. Reception: Nov. 1, 5-8 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 8. FF “In Pursuit of Empathy”

ƒ Nov. 8, 6-10 p.m. Jazzed About Art, fundraiser (Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine)

Art on Vine | Rhinegeist Brewery. artonvinecincy.com

ƒ Nov. 17 & 24, noon-6 p.m. Holiday Kick-Off

ArtWorks | V² Gallery, Walnut Hills. 513-333-0388. artworkscincinnati.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 7 FF “Chiaroscuro”

ƒ Nov. 29-Dec. 13. “Renewal: The Art of Change”

Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows | RSVP Event Center, Loveland. 440-227-8794. avantgardeshows.com

ƒ Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fall Show

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

ƒ Fridays thru Feb. 7. Community Art Show

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

ƒ Nov. 8-17. Cherrywood Challenge Monarch Exhibition: Caterpillar & Chrysalis Collections

BasketShop Gallery | Westwood. basketshopgallery.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 16 FF Silas Long: “Interior Ruin”

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 1. FF “Southern Democratic”

Century Design Workshop | Walnut Hills. 513-376-6183. centurydesignworkshop.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 1. FF Amber N. Ford: “The Roads Most Traveled”

Cincinnati & Hamilton County

Public Library | Downtown. 513-369-6900. chpl.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 1 FF “Depth of Field: The Universe of the Daguerreotype”

ƒ Thru Nov. 30 FF “More than Meets the Eye: Multimedia Narratives that Connect Generations and Cultures” (Walnut Hills Branch)

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. FF “Verso: Backmarks of 19th-Century Photographic Card Mounts”

ƒ Nov. 1-29. Brian Burt: “Good Spirits –The Art of the Elixir,” cocktails painted in a hyper realistic manner.

Reception: Nov. 1, 5-8 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Jan. 19 FF “Discovering Ansel Adams”

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

ƒ Nov. 8-Jan. 5. “CAMaraderie: Artists of the Cincinnati Art Museum”

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

ƒ Nov. 8-Dec. 6. “The Golden Ticket” Reception: Nov. 8, 6-8 p.m.

Contemporary Arts Center | Fountain District, downtown. 513-3458400. contemporaryartscenter.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 10. Illustrated Memoir Project: “Knowing Ourselves, Understanding Each Other”

ƒ Thru Jan 5 FF Chip Thomas: “The Painted Desert Project”

ƒ Thru Feb. 9 FF Barbara Probst: “Subjective Evidence”

ƒ Thru Oct. 31, 2026. “Gravity’s Rainbow”

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

ƒ Thru Dec. 21 FF Curtis Mann: “Precious Blood” • Sean Wilkinson: “Flora”

ƒ Thru Dec. 21. John Lauer: “Demon Heads”

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. FF “Posteriors: Sitters’ Backs in 19th-Century Photography” (DAAP Library)

ƒ Thru Nov. 21. FF “Still Moving” • “Who is American Today?” (Reed Gallery)

ƒ Thru Nov. 27. FF “What Remains: A Contemporary Interpretation of Native American Earthworks in The Ohio Valley” (Meyers Gallery)

The Home of Fine Art, where you can find a curated selection of works by domestic and international artists Come and explore our gallery today

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

ƒ Thru Jan. 5 FF “Devil’s Promenade”

Esquire Theatre Gallery | Clifton. 513-281-8750. esquiretheatre.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 24. FF Casey Leclair: “Nightlife in Renderville”

Eva G. Farris Gallery | Thomas More University, Crestview Hills. 859-344-3300. thomasmore.edu

ƒ Nov. 7-Dec. 6. “Prologue to Kinfolklore”

Evendale Cultural Arts Center | Evendale. 513-563-1350. evendaleohio.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 30 FF “Behind The Lens: Unveiling The Unseen Narratives”

ƒ Thru Dec. 31 FF Eric Hatch: “Hard Times for These Times”

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

ƒ Thru Jan. 3 FF “We > Me: 17 Artists Explore Hamilton Neighborhoods”

Flag Studio | Camp Washington. 310-801-5504. joegirandola.wixsite.com/website

ƒ Thru Nov. 1. FF “Got It on Tape”

Gallery 42 | Downtown Mason. 513-492-7474. artenclave.com

ƒ Thru Dec. 16. “Artist Uncorked” Nate Flanagan

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

◆ Greenacres Artist Weekend:

‚ Nov. 1, 6-8:30 p.m.

‚ Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

‚ Nov. 3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Brian Burt ’s hyperrealistic painted cocktails, including “Blue Hawaii,” are on display at Cincinnati Art Galleries, Opening reception is Nov. 1, 5-8 p.m.

i.imagine | Union, Ky. 859-801-1045. iimaginephotography.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 1 FF “Off Track” (Roebling Point Books and Coffee, Newport)

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

ƒ Thru Dec. 30. FF “Afterwords: 50 Years in Words and Images by Arno Rafael Minkkinen”

Joseph Clark Gallery Arts of Africa | Northside. 513-351-8111. josephclarkgallery.com

ƒ African American arts and crafts

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. FF Gee Horton: “Chapter 2, A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child”

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 22 FF Madeleine Hordinski: “The Lore of the Pawpaw”

Manifest Drawing Center / Center for the Visual Arts | Clifton. manifestgallery.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 2 FF “Pick It Up, Turn It Over: Exploring the Power of the Physical Photograph”

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

ƒ Nov. 8-Dec. 6. “Container” • Weiting Wei (sculpture) • “Altarpieces” • “Third Places” Reception: Nov. 8, 6-9 p.m.

Mean St. Gallery | Over-the-Rhine. meanstreetgallery.com

ƒ Opens Nov. 2. Tanner Ramsey and Nick Anderson

Miami University/Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum | Oxford. 513-5292232. miamioh.edu/cca/art-museum

ƒ Thru Dec. 16. “ARTificial Intelligence: A Student Response Exhibition” • Collections Highlights: Recent Acquisitions • FF “Through Their Lens: Photographing Freedom Summer”

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

ƒ Thru Dec. 12. Phillip Erbaugh. Reception: Nov. 8, 6-8 p.m. ƒ Nov. 8-Dec. 12. Area Art Exhibition. Reception: Nov. 8, 6-8 p.m.

Miller Gallery | Hyde Park Square. 513-871-4420. millergallery.com

ƒ Current showing. Hunt Slonem

Viktor Maco, A Second Opportunity for Death, 2023. Digital print, 18 x 27 inches. Courtesy of the artist

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

ƒ Nov. 21-Dec. 5. BFA Senior Exhibitions. Reception: Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m.

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

ƒ Nov. 1-20. “Stitching Stories” textile and fiber artists show. Reception: Nov. 1, 6-8 p.m. Artist talk: Nov. 3, 1-3 p.m. Closing reception: Nov. 20, 1-3 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Dec. 31. FF “Snapshots of Over-the-Rhine”

Painted River Art Studio | Downtown Milford. nancyachberger.com

ƒ Nov. 1-16. Nancy Achberger: “Rivertown Rendezvous, My Journey Through Historic Milford.” Reception: Nov. 1, 5-8 p.m.

PAR-Projects | Northside. parprojects.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 29 FF “Don’t Just Talk About It, Be About It”

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

ƒ Nov. 29, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

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

ƒ Nov. 1, 5-9 p.m. Open studios

Purple People Bridge | Newport. purplepeoplebridge.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 3 FF “More Than Meets The Eye: An Immersive Display of Narrative Power Through Photos”

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 22 FF Jo Whaley: “The Theater of Nature” • Meryl McMaster: “Stories of the Infinite Sky” • “Stories of the Land”

Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com

ƒ Nov. 1-Dec. 3. Annual Resident Art Show

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 9 FF Michael Reese: “Decoding Polaris” • Cara Lee Wade: “Fossil Poetry”

ƒ Nov. 25-Jan. 4. Mayuko Ono Gray: Drawings • Allyson J. Barton: “The Remembered Land”

Sharonville Cultural Arts Center | Sharonville. 513-554-1014. sharonvilleculturalarts.org

ƒ Nov. 1-Dec. 7. Art North 2024

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

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

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

ƒ Thru Dec. 13. FF John E. Dowell: “Pathways to Freedom”

Stivers School for the Arts: Fifth Street Gallery | Dayton, Ohio. 937-542-4179. theseedlings.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 3 FF “Labyrinth: A Paula Kraus Retrospective”

Studio Collection Sale | Clifton Recreation Center, Clifton. 513-662-9382. studiocollectioncincy.com

ƒ Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Annual holiday arts and crafts sale

Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com

ƒ Thru Nov. 2. FF Casey LeClair: “Moving Parts”

Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery |

Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi. msj.edu

ƒ Nov. 3-Dec. 9. “Journey to the Finish”

Reception: Nov. 3, 2-4 p.m.

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

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

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

ƒ Sundays, thru Dec. 30, 1-3 p.m. Sensory Explorations

ƒ Thru Jan. 12 FF “Posing Beauty in African American Culture”

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

ƒ Nov. 13-Jan. 5. “Holiday Traditions Old & New”

Tiger Lily Press | Lindner Annex, Kennedy Heights Art Center, Kennedy Heights. 859-760-6070. tigerlilypress.org

ƒ Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Local Ink 2024

University of Cincinnati Clermont College | Snyder Building, Batavia. 513-558-2787. ucclermont.edu

ƒ Thru Dec. 13. FF Judi Bommarito: “Reclaiming Your Outside Voice”

University of Dayton | Fitz Hall, Dayton, Ohio. udayton.edu

ƒ Thru Nov. 1 FF “The Devil Hiding in Plain Sight” (Roger Glass Center for the Arts Gallery)

ƒ Thru Nov. 15 FF “On Location & Care” (Index Gallery)

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

ƒ Thru Nov. 29 FF “Flowers in the Sidewalk”

Warren County Historical Museum | Lebanon. wchsmuseum.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 9. “The Glass of Daron Goodman”

ƒ Nov. 22-Dec. 31. “In Celebration of Senator Thomas Corwin’s 200th Birthday”

Off Ludlow Gallery in Clifton presents a textile and fiber show featuring 10 local artists in a wide variety of styles and techniques. Opening Nov. 1, 6-8 p.m., and closing Nov. 20. Shown: Sara Torgison’s mixed-media “Hungry Ghost”

Wave Pool Gallery | Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org

ƒ Thru Nov. 16. FF “A Thousand Words” ƒ Thru Nov. 9. FF “Defend the Sacred”

Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery

ƒ Thru Nov. 3 FF Memory Fields • Rachael Banks: “The Trail of the Dead”

Wright State University | 160 Creative Arts Center, Fairborn. liberal-arts.wright.edu/art-galleries

ƒ Thru Nov. 2 FF Daniel McInnis: “Elementary” • “Rewritten: Photographers Reshaping the Narrative”

Xavier University Art Gallery | A.B. Cohen Center. xavier.edu/art-department

ƒ Nov. 1-22. “A Retrospective Journey of a Wise Man: Bernie L. Schmidt” • “The Rome Experience 2024” Reception: Nov. 1, 5-7 p.m. 

George Bellows (American, 1882–1925), Billy Sunday, 1923, lithograph, Lent by Dr. James, and Mrs. Lois Sanitato

 OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY: Payton Obert

The National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Nov. 21, in the Music Hall Ballroom, is presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. We share the following five profiles of this year’s honorees. Movers & Makers is media sponsor.

 afpcincinnati.org

By Nadya Ellerhorst

When life gives you lemons, give back

For12 year-old Payton Obert, it all began with a teddy bear.

During an overnight hospital stay at age 2, Payton received the plush toy that she describes as “a very good comfort item.” A few years down the line, the stuffed animal would go on to serve as a spark of inspiration.

“When I was around 6, I saw my neighbors doing a lemonade stand, and I’m like, ‘Mom, what’s that?’ And she told me all about it. And I was like, ‘Well, I want to do one.’ ”

With the help of her parents, Payton’s “summer bucket list” item became a reality. And instead of pocketing the near $800 the stand amassed, Payton decided to pay it forward – by buying toys for patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

That single lemonade stand has since grown into Payton’s Lemonade Stand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates dozens of “Payton’s Pals” lemonade stands across the region every summer to raise funds for charity. Every July, the organization raises thousands of dollars during a one-day event, with 90 stands raising over $125,000 in 2024. Stand hosts have included Girl Scout troops and fire departments. Take a look at the organization’s map and you’ll see the Tristate covered in cartoon lemons designating where stands pop up.

“It’s just so neat and so heartwarming to see the community coming together for a common cause,” Payton said.

In the years since Payton’s first stand, the organization, which officially became a nonprofit in 2021, has increased the number of charities it supports via lemonade sales. Beyond the annual fundraising event, the organization also partners with other nonprofits to give back.

Recently, Payton’s Lemonade Stand joined forces with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for 40 children. They also spearhead Payton’s Annual Lemon Giving Trees during the holidays and the Community Serving Kids program, where they work with Matthew 25: Ministries to distribute toiletries and other necessities to a variety of organizations.

And Payton’s Lemonade Stand continues to be a family affair. Mom Jess Obert is the nonprofit’s executive director. Mike Obert, Payton’s dad, is vice president of the board. Little sister Presley carries the title of “World’s Sweetest

Assistant.” And cavapoo Joey occasionally serves as the unofficial canine mascot.

Outside the world of philanthropy, Payton is a seventh grader who enjoys hanging out with friends, visiting parks and playing soccer. The same teddy bear given to her years ago remains on her bed to this day. While Payton still sees herself staying involved in the organization in the years to come – and only envisions it continuing to expand – she currently aspires to a career in speech-language pathology.

A ‘unique childhood’

“Believe it or not, she gets a lot of time to just be a kid,” Payton’s mother, Jess, said. “While she does a lot – she has a lot of speaking engagements and a lot of things she does behind the scenes – she also gets to be a kid.”

“It’s a unique childhood,” Payton added. “I get to go out and do more things than some people.”

When asked what advice she has for other young people interested in philanthropy, Payton stressed that a bit of initiative or a simple act of

kindness can have a “ripple effect.”

“It only really takes one person to make a difference,” she said. “Go out in your community. Be that person. Somebody drops their pencil, pick up their pencil. That’ll make their day, and that’ll encourage them to be kind to other people, and so on.”

For all of the organization’s exponential growth from a single stand to an established nonprofit, to Jess, none of this has come as a shock.

“To be honest, it’s not surprising to me,” Jess said. “Payton has always been what we call an ‘old soul.’ She’s always been very empathetic from a very early age. So I feel like she’s truly living out what her purpose here is.”

Natural leadership qualities

Nichole Lawrence, president of the organization’s board, has known Payton since she was a baby.

“I was there at her first lemonade stand,” Nichole recalled. “I stopped by and donated some money, and I’ve just watched it grow over the years.”

Like Jess, Nichole deems Payton an “old soul.” To Nichole, Payton’s “natural leadership quality,” compassion, and the fact that she has a “little bit of a teacher in her” are integral to Payton’s role as the founder of the organization.

“The first year she did it, you’re like, ‘Yeah, that totally makes sense,’” Nichole said. “‘It’s totally something Payton would do.’ And then, just as it’s grown, and how she’s gotten other kids involved – it just fits her personality so well. I can’t see her doing something else.”

Payton has encountered many lemonades in her lifetime – there was the distinct blue raspberry lemonade at a special doughnut shop she visited following a soccer tournament and the one-of-a-kind tropical punch lemonade she recently found at Jungle Jim’s International Market. But there’s one tried-and-true recipe the young philanthropist continues to swear by: lemonade mix, water and love.

And she’s not done squeezing every bit of potential out of Payton’s Lemonade Stand.

“I just want it to continue to grow,” Payton said. “I don’t want it to ever stop growing.”   paytonslemonadestand.org

Payton Obert

Photo: wendell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Media g rou P

By Cindy Starr

Rosely fine-tuned her talents into a career in philanthropy

As a young woman, M. Patricia “Patty” Rosely did not envision a career in philanthropy. Spending 40 years in nonprofit management and earning a Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals was not something she could have imagined.

Rather, it was a confluence of talent, personality and circumstance – including a strict professor, a prescient roommate and a flooded job market – that put Rosely on a memorable and successful career path.

“If you’d told me in 1985 that I’d focus my efforts in development, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Rosely said. “But it ended up being this incredibly rewarding experience.” The joy she felt working with staff, volunteers, donors and board members to fulfill the missions of nonprofit orga

veteran services, at Easterseals Redwood. “Patty is a great listener and an exceptional strategist –both important ingredients for making personal relationships and growing revenue.”

Christie Brown, CEO of OneSource Center, touted Rosely’s kindness and her ability to break big goals into manageable steps. “She genuinely cares about people, both those she works with and the donors she solicits. Working with Patty’s warm and positive demeanor makes everything seem possible.”

Rosely grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of educators. She absorbed the spirit of compassion and giving early, putting coins in the children’s basket during the One Great Hour of Sharing at her church and, over decades, providing loving attention to a “very special sister with special needs.”

Patty Rosely

Photo: wendell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Media g rou P

instead of a major.”

That academic change left room for another minor, which would help steer Rosely’s career at a time when the last wave of the baby boom generation was graduating and entering an alreadypacked job market.

“As I was working toward the end of my degree in 1981, thinking I would teach English and be a theater director at school, I realized, unfortunately, that there were no teaching jobs in Michigan, which is hard to believe these days. I didn’t want to move to Texas where all the jobs were. I needed to get something else, so I picked up an accounting minor.

“That was actually a critical piece of my success in my career, because when you go into nonprofit management and fundraising, you really need to understand numbers and how finances work and how a budget gets put together.”

While Rosely pondered her future, a roommate suggested that she become a business manager at a theater. Rosely embraced the idea and landed a 10-month, low-paying internship in business management at the Indiana Repertory Theater in Indianapolis. “I got a lot of experience and realized I loved nonprofit management,” Rosely said.

She launched her career as business manager at a theater in Lansing, Michigan, and then spent several years as executive director at the Council of Performing Arts for Children in Grand Rapids. Overseeing “a small, scrappy nonprofit,” she said, offered the best kind of training. She was responsible for programming, marketing, fiscal management and fundraising.

Management segued into philanthropy. “I was thinking I’d be more a general manager person, but at every job I had the biggest need was to raise more money,” Rosely recalled. “So my English degree served me well. I became a grant writer and also knew I needed to develop a full suite of

fundraising skills to become an effective chief philanthropy officer. AFP and other training courses grounded me in the field and set me up for success.”

Cincinnati successes

Rosely moved to Cincinnati in 2006 to become development director at the Playhouse. During her 11 years there she logged some of her proudest achievements. She helped plan the transformative capital campaign that created a new $50 million mainstage theater complex and Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. She spearheaded a $10 million endowment campaign in honor of retiring Producing Artistic Director Ed Stern. And she established and grew the Leading Ladies program, which engages new donors. Today, Leading Ladies brings in more than $100,000 a year and is the single largest annual Playhouse production sponsor.

More than a fundraiser, Rosely proved an invaluable mentor. In this capacity, she became a teacher after all. She has relished helping young development professionals “find their stride and focus on what their gifts are and then create a team environment where all cylinders are firing.”

Gentry-Barth, who worked with Rosely and others in the early 2010s to revitalize the Cincinnati chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, said “Patty was, and still is, a great advocate for the professional development, education and growth of fundraisers. She has been a fabulous mentor to many, and I’m fortunate to be just one of the people to have learned from her.”

At OneSource Center, Rosely coached Brown in the art of the ask. “I’m new at asking for major gifts,” Brown said. “She set us up for success with our first major gifts campaign. In order to get me over the ‘choke phase,’ she had me practice in front of the mirror until the words rolled off my tongue. And it worked!”

Rosely is optimistic about fundraising’s future but says burnout and income disparity between chief development officers and non-executive staff are a concern. “To keep the best and brightest in our field – and across the nonprofit sector – salaries and benefits, including retirement, must be increased to become competitive and flexible.”

Rosely has attended nearly every National Philanthropy Day event since moving to Cincinnati and is humbled to find herself one of the AFP’s nominees. “I was able to read these amazing nomination letters that made me cry,” she said. “The whole experience made me very emotional. I’m honored to be part of this class of impactful community leaders. An added bonus: We are all women change makers!” 

CORPORATION: BT Rise, Barbara Turner

Lifting others through education, opportunities

BarbaraTurner knows how it feels to work hard but still struggle to pay the bills. She also knows what it takes to work hard and build generational wealth. That’s why she’s devoted much of her personal and professional life to helping people build. Her latest endeavor, BT RISE, continues this mission by helping others achieve financial independence, especially women and underserved communities.

Turner, a Cincinnati native, is well known in the region’s corporate and philanthropic circles, with more than 40 years of corporate leadership experience in the financial services industry. She spent much of that time at Ohio National Financial Services, where she rose through the ranks to become the company’s first female and first Black president and CEO.

Turner founded BT RISE shortly after resigning from Ohio National. BT RISE and the Turner Family Foundation advance economic empowerment and education providing mentorship and financial coaching, by funding educational and leadership development scholarships and by providing financial grants to individuals looking to start or scale businesses. BT RISE has also extended direct financial support, inkind donations and volunteer hours to targeted organizations doing great work in our region to end poverty and lift others up.

“We don’t just write checks,” Turner said. “We are investing in building strong communities and strong families. Whether it’s helping a single mom get job training or supporting someone in starting a business, we want to help people reach their goals.”

The journey to bank CEO

As she climbed the corporate ladder in a very competitive field, Turner said, her upbringing and the career lessons learned along the way to becoming a bank president grounded her. Her hardworking parents often struggled to make ends meet for their nine children, and Turner never forgot what that looked like.

“Growing up, we didn’t have much. My parents worked incredibly hard. Despite their efforts, we struggled and were on food stamps,” she recalled. “My first exposure to financial services was in the trust department, where I learned about the stock market and true

By Feoshia Davis

philanthropy.”

This was a turning point for Turner, a University of Cincinnati alumna, who began to see how access to financial knowledge could transform lives.

“Financial literacy became a passion for me because I came from a background where I didn’t have access to that knowledge,” she said. Turner’s experiences as a divorced single mother further deepened her commitment. “There was a time when I was a single mom with three kids, and it was tough. The cost of day care was overwhelming and there were things my peers could do that I just couldn’t afford.”

Part of what helped her succeed early in her career came from tapping resources from the organizations she helps today by serving on their boards or leading mission-critical initiatives: United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio and YWCA of Greater Cincinnati.

Founding BT RISE: A new mission

The “RISE” in BT RISE stands for Resilience, Integrity, Strength and Equity – values central to Turner’s journey. “I wanted to create an organization that lifts others up, just as I’ve been lifted throughout my career,” she said.

Since its founding, BT RISE has awarded scholarships to students at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, with a focus on supporting women and individuals from underserved communities.

One of BT RISE’s core principles is providing opportunities, not handouts. “Our goal is to help people achieve financial independence through education and mentorship,” Turner explained.

“I’ve always had a giving spirit,” she said, recalling how she used to braid hair for free in her community. “I believe everyone has something of value to offer, whether it’s time, talent or treasure.”

A legacy of philanthropy

Turner’s philanthropic efforts are driven by a desire to create long-term, sustainable change. “I look at philanthropy as a way to lift entire communities,” Turner said. “It’s not about

fostering dependency, but about providing the tools and resources people need to achieve their own success.”

Her work with BT RISE and other organizations reflects a broader mission to address the systemic inequities that affect marginalized communities. “One of the things that stands out is the importance of education in achieving financial independence,” she noted.

Looking to the future

Her vision for BT RISE extends far beyond her lifetime. Turner has already begun involving her children in the organization, ensuring that her legacy of giving back will endure.

Reflecting on her life and career, Turner said her success has always been about more than personal achievement.

“I want people to know that it’s possible to rise above your circumstances,” she said. “It’s not easy, but with resilience, integrity and support, you can achieve financial independence and make a difference in your community.”

 btrise.com

Barbara Turner

Photo: wendell g ibbs Jr eleven27 Media g rou P

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Pam Weber

By Julie Coppens

For ‘relentlessly caring’ PNC exec, giving goes both ways

Pam Weber’s story – true to form for a National Philanthropy Day Volunteer of the Year – is largely about giving. Beyond her paid work as senior vice president and senior relationship manager for PNC Real Estate, Weber gives a lot.

She’s a longtime board member and rockstar fundraiser for Easterseals Redwood and YWCA Greater Cincinnati, and she has mentored scores of students at the University of Cincinnati Real Estate Center, earning the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business in 2020. She has led efforts to help make the region’s corporate community more inclusive of disability and neurodiversity. Colleagues describe her with words like “dedicated,” “always engaged and supportive” and “a truly wonderful friend.”

“Pam is someone who knows the power of hard work, collaboration and care – and putting those three things together makes a remarkable difference in terms of the impact of what she’s able to do,” said Marianne W. Lewis, dean of UC’s Lindner College. “She truly does give things her all, but she also brings so many others into the effort, and then has a multiplier effect – and I think that is a very powerful gift.”

Even Weber’s two young adult children, who grew up amidst the whirlwind of busy working parents (husband Warren is PNC’s regional president for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky), stressed her giving nature above all: “My mom will drop everything she’s doing to help me,” said daughter Kendall, while son Jason called her “a relentlessly caring woman. … If she’s in a position to help someone in need, she sees it as her duty to do so.”

A hand-up, not a handout

But Pam Weber’s story is also about receiving – the good that can happen when a giver stops giving, sets ego aside and accepts help from others. She saw it all the time growing up, in a small town north of Dayton where neighbors naturally relied on each other: “I come from

modest means, but my family taught me that if you’re lucky enough to have, there are a lot of folks who don’t.”

Decades later, Pam and Warren Weber saw reciprocity in action at Easterseals Redwood, an organization that strives for “equity, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities, military veterans and people facing economic disadvantages.” The Webers got involved as volunteers, and then as leaders. “We liked the idea of workforce development – that it’s a hand-up and not a handout,” Pam Weber recalled. “Never did Warren and I dream that one day we would be the direct beneficiaries – you could say, the lifesaving beneficiaries – of the service Easterseals provides people.”

The unexpected gift came in the form of a work opportunity for their son, Jason. Like a lot of smart kids with neuro challenges (in his case, severe ADHD), Jason struggled in the transition from high school to college. He soon withdrew from his engineering degree program at the University of Dayton and came home “a little lost,” Pam Weber remembered. She asked her friends at Easterseals if they might take Jason on as a volunteer; he started off assembling medical test kits, regaining his confidence and finding new purpose as an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, at age 24, Jason is thriving in a fulltime position at Easterseals Redwood, as an inventory specialist – and Pam Weber has a whole new reason for giving that organization her best. Among other projects, she recently cochaired the Easterseals’ Power of Work/Power of Purpose capital campaign, raising $30 million to improve the organization’s Walnut Hills campus, while also improving sustainability through increasing their endowment and adding to resources dedicated to innovative programming.

“Pam is a cheerleader, a decision-maker and a dot connector,” said Danielle Gentry-Barth, executive vice president of advancement and veteran services for Easterseals Redwood. “She takes the time to know our clients and employees. It is no exaggeration when I say that when Pam Weber walks through the doors [here],

Pam is a cheerleader, a decision-maker, and a dot connector … It is no exaggeration when I say that when Pam Weber walks through the doors [here], people come running to hug her.

– Danielle Gentry-Barth, Easterseals Redwood

Pam Weber

Photo: wendell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Media g rou P

people come running to hug her.”

That’s a kind of mom energy Jason can appreciate, now. He didn’t always.

“Admittedly, I for sure remember times growing up, being peeved about being dragged along to do volunteer work on a weekend. But I also remember a bunch of awesome events and experiences I got to be a part of as well,” Jason said. “She’s taught me the value of giving back and helping those that need it – something I truly might not have realized without her insistence. I’m certain that I will live a more fulfilling life because of her … She’s set the bar pretty darn high.”

A legacy of striving and caring

Both Weber siblings have carried the family volunteering habit into adulthood. Jason, for instance, recently participated in the Easterseals Redwood Honor Ride, raising funds for disabled veterans while racking up bicycle miles.

“That’s when I know they’re watching and listening,” Weber said. “That makes me happy.”

“Each day I strive to work as hard, care as much, try as hard (and even talk as much) as my mom,” said Kendall, now in her first year studying business at Indiana University. “I will look up to her no matter how old I am, because she knows how to work, love, support and spread her skills and values to others.”

Each day I strive to work as hard, care as much, try as hard (and even talk as much) as my mom. I will look up to her no matter how old I am, because she knows how to work, love, support, and spread her skills and values to others.

– Kendall Weber, Pam’s daughter

Raising a couple of Gen Zs, and mentoring dozens of others (along with countless Millennials before them) through her volunteer work with UC, has given Weber a hopeful perspective on the future.

“They’re going to have a lot to clean up,” she said of tomorrow’s leaders. “They’re going to have a lot to deal with, sure. But they’re more resilient than we think. They problem-solve in a different way. We just have to give them some time and independence.”

As for her own future, Weber can predict a couple of things: It will involve a lot of giving and a lot of receiving.

“I hope I can take a whole different level of energy into that second chapter,” said Weber, referring to a retirement that’s still some years off. For now, she said, “Warren and I have been blessed to build the careers and the lives that we have, and to have financial security. We can share our time. We can share our resources.

“I learned very early on that when I volunteer, I get to use all these other skills that I don’t get to use every day. I get to flex all these other muscles,” Weber added, pointing to one of the many gifts that come with giving: “By doing this, I’m fueling myself along with others, and that’s pretty special.” 

OF THE YEAR: Sherie Marek

By Shauna Steigerwald

Sherie Marek believes in sharing good fortune

Sherie Marek traces her philanthropic spirit, evidenced through decades of giving both her time and treasure, to her youth in rural Higbee, Missouri (population then: 300).

Her father died when she was 9 months old. Left to provide for the two of them, her mother took weekend and correspondence courses so she could teach. Their home didn’t have running water, and Marek recalls earning extra cash by selling fireworks to her neighbors. Her mother made her clothes; Marek, who dreamed of a career in fashion, designed them. When they no longer fit, she sold them.

In short, they “were very poor and struggled” to achieve their dreams, Marek said. Even so, they gave what they could – their time – to the local church.

Years later, when her means changed, Marek was eager to give back in a larger way.

“I knew where I came from, and I knew other people needed help getting where they wanted to go,” she said.

“We have all had help getting to where we are today, and as responsible members of the community, we can make a difference and help generations to come through our own generosity of spirits,” she added, citing the motto she and her late husband, Len Marek, who was a Kroger executive, followed – and that still governs her life today.

“She’s really able to respect where she came from and where other people in our community might be coming from,” said Claire LubyColton, former director of external relations at St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati. “She gets it, when you’re helping someone, what that can mean.”

Years of hard work

It took decades for Marek to get where she is today. Always a good student, she earned scholarships to cover her college tuition. She met her husband-to-be at Moberly Junior College (now Moberly Area Community College) in Missouri. Len Marek hailed from a different small town in Missouri and grew up in a family of nine, wearing hand-me-down clothes and working

at the meat counter of the local grocery during high school. (The owner gave him that assignment because he was tall and could see over the counter.)

They both finished their degrees at the University of Missouri, where he studied economics and meat technology while she majored in art.

Marek’s mother encouraged her to pursue teaching rather than fashion design. Teaching art allowed her to follow that advice while still engaging her creative side. She also saw it as a way to help children broaden their horizons.

“Nobody’s telling them what to do,” Marek said. “You give them parameters and they can do what they want within those parameters. … Art expands your mind.”

She and Len were married in 1965 and celebrated their 50th anniversary before Len’s death in 2015.

In the intervening years, Len went through Kroger’s training program. His career with the company took them to St. Louis (where they had their son, Michael), Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus. In 1985, it brought them back to the city that would become their home – Cincinnati.

Sherie, meanwhile, taught; when she couldn’t find a job teaching art, she taught typing and business instead. And she had a lot of side gigs: The plant business she started with a friend; the art gallery she ran from her home before getting a storefront; a travel agency; decorating work for friends.

In those days, volunteering often meant helping out at her son’s schools. But she also got involved in other ways: In Columbus, for example, she helped start the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for the Auxiliaries of Children’s Hospital (now Nationwide Children’s Hospital).

Meaningful involvements

Two major life changes propelled her philanthropic work. At age 45, Len took early retirement from Kroger and became a partner in Empire Marketing Strategies. As the company became successful, the Mareks shared

their good fortune by donating to a long list of Cincinnati nonprofits.

Shortly thereafter, their son, Michael, left for college.

“I needed something to do, and I wanted to do something to help other people,” Marek said.

She found plenty of ways to fill her days, serving on as many as eight boards at once, not to mention event committees, steering committees and other engagements.

“I know I’ve given more time than money,” she said.

Among the organizations that have benefitted from her service and generosity are Dress for Success, St. Vincent de Paul, May Festival, Cincinnati Art Museum, Lighthouse Youth Services, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati International Wine Festival, Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Film Commission, Cancer Family Care, Cincinnati Bicentennial, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Hearing Speech + Deaf Center, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D), Cincinnati Horticultural Society/ Cincinnati Flower Show, People Working Cooperatively, Historic Southwest Ohio and AVOC.

Some commitments have spanned years or even decades.

“She was a founding board member of Dress

Sherie Marek

Photo: wendell g ibbs Jr., eleven27 Media g rou P

for Success and went on to become board chair,” said Lisa Nolan, the organization’s president and CEO, noting that Marek is the overall largest donor in the organization’s history. “It’s super meaningful, now that we’re in our 25th anniversary, that she remains engaged and has continued to grow her giving.”

Although the organizations Marek supports represent a range of causes, two are particularly close to her heart: children and the arts. “I’m worried about children after what I went through,” Marek said.

Even organizations like Dress for Success check that box: “(It) helps the women get where they need to be to take care of their children,” she said.

As for the arts, they’re “a passion; I want the arts to survive,” she said.

Something Marek’s found particularly meaningful is her annual Christmas luncheon. It started as a get-together and thank-you for about 50 women, friends and others who’d helped her with charity events. As her network grew, so did the guest list – and the pile of hostess gifts. After a few years, she asked her guests to bring toys for St. Vincent de Paul instead.

“We fill a semi with toys. My small contribution is getting people together and facilitating a place for them to go” to donate, she said.

Luby-Colton sees Marek’s impact, via the “thousands and thousands” of toys she’s collected, as much greater.

“For the children who have a Christmas morning full of joy and get to live life like any other kid, that’s impactful in that it’s creating happiness and joyful moments,” Luby-Colton said. “But I think the bigger impact is on the mothers and fathers. … They have the ability to play Santa. Sherie’s behind it – she’s the true

‘Mrs. Claus’ – but it gives them the dignity to be able to put presents under the tree.”

This year, her 25th, Marek will invite 600 women and their spouses. It will be her last time standing by the door greeting her guests: She hopes to pass the torch to a new chair and to attend future luncheons as a guest herself.

A big, diverse network

Both Luby-Colton and Nolan describe Marek as a straightforward person who genuinely wants to make an impact.

“She gives without making a big deal about it; she’s not someone who’s doing it for the recognition by any means,” Nolan said. “But I think she also understands that she can help put a face to philanthropy and be an example.”

Indeed, Marek is skilled at fundraising, which she’s done while chairing numerous events over the years. She attributes her success to her ability to make connections. “I’ll talk to anybody,” she said.

By getting outside her circle and meeting new people, she’s developed a large network, maintaining some friendships over decades.

“I don’t ever let anybody go. If you let me go, that’s OK, but I don’t let anybody go,” Marek said.

“Sherie has an amazingly diverse network of friends and family, and she is so good at inspiring that network to also give and to get involved in causes that are dear to her heart,” said LubyColton, who characterizes Marek as “smart,” “creative” and “spunky.”

Luby-Colton thinks people are drawn to Marek’s genuine nature – and her joie de vivre.

“She can throw a heck of a party,” said LubyColton. “She’s fun, she travels, she enjoys life

and you like to be around someone like that.” Travel, which was out of reach in her youth, is a passion of Marek’s today. Perhaps her most interesting trip was to Rwanda, where she hiked 3 1/2 hours to see gorillas. (“It was fabulous,” she said.)

When she isn’t out seeing the world, Marek has a home in Hyde Park, where she loves to create memorable experiences for her three grandchildren (think “glamping” in the backyard or having a “Hawaiian party” on the deck), and one in Naples, Florida. Unsurprisingly, she supports multiple organizations there, too.

Despite all her involvement, Marek is also happy to be at home, alone. “People think I’m a social butterfly, but I love my time by myself,” she said.

“People call me a piece of work,” she added. “I just say what I think … somebody said, ‘Don’t ever ask Sherie her opinion; she’ll give it to you.’”

Creating a legacy

Just as her youth sparked her desire to give back, she hopes her example will inspire the young people in her life.

“I’m trying to create a legacy where my grandchildren know how important it is to give,” she said. “They have a lot of benefits; I didn’t have any of those benefits.”

No doubt her legacy will extend beyond her family.

“She’s really helped build this community in that she’s brought a lot of people together to understand needs and opportunities to support one another,” Luby-Colton said. “I think our community is more cohesive, more vibrant and more thoughtful because Sherie is here.” 

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

NOV. 1, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Art Museum, Black & White Dance Gala | Drinks, dinner and entertainment. Black and white masquerade attire. Tickets: $500.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

Dress for Success Cincinnati, Fashion Show | 7 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Dinner by-thebite, drinks, raffle and fashion show by Ohio-based designer Gerardo Encinas. Honorary chair: Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day Communications. Tickets: $250.

 dfscincy.org

New Life Furniture Bank, Party In The House | 6-9 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Auction, popup shops and music. Tickets: $150.

 nlfurniture.org

NOV. 2, SATURDAY

APNET, Annual Symposium/Gala | 5-9 p.m. University of Cincinnati College of Business. Speakers: Siobhan Taylor, Steve Driehaus and Peter Akwaboah. Dinner, networking, cocktails, silent auction, music, fashion show, entertainment, award and scholarship presentations. Tickets: $50.

 myapnet.org/apnet-symposium

Cancer Family Care, 45th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction | 6-10 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Honorary chairs: Kathee Van Kirk, co-owner, The Wine Merchant, and Hugo Tostado, owner, Tostados Grill. Wine and bourbon tastings, three-course dinner, silent and live auctions. Tickets: $175.

 cancerfamilycare.org

CASA for Clermont Kids, Heroes of Hope | 6-10 p.m. Norlyn Manor, Batavia. Dinner buffet, drink ticket, DJ Rockin Ron, live auction, silent auction and cash bar. Tickets: $75.

 casaclermontkids.org/fallgala

The adults-only evening, Layers of Innovation, returns to the Cincinnati Museum Center on Nov. 8

Incubator Kitchen Collective hosts Taste of Gratitude at MegaCorp Pavilion on Nov. 3

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Kindervelt Krafts | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Seton High School, Price Hill. Homemade crafts and bakery items, lunch, games and raffles. Free.  bonniehueneman@gmail.com

Clark Montessori, Clark After Dark: 30th Anniversary | 7-10 p.m. Columbia Center. Appetizers, desserts, hosted bar, silent auction and mingling. Tickets: $30

 clarkmontessorifoundation.org

Dragonfly, Dinks & Drives | 8 a.m. Lifetime Fitness, Mason. Pickleball tournament and carnival activities.

 dragonfly.org

The Grail, 80th Anniversary Event | Noon-5 p.m. The Grail, Loveland. Food truck, live music and Grail Friends sharing stories about serving women, social justice, the environment, faith and art. Free and family-friendly.  grail-us.org/eighty

NOV. 3, SUNDAY

Incubator Kitchen Collective, Taste of Gratitude | 5-7 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. 4-5 p.m. VIP hour, dinner by-the-bite, cash bar, live music and silent auction. Tickets: $75.

 incubatorkitchencollective.org

NOV. 5-26, TUESDAY-TUESDAY

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, Art Event | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cincinnati Art Galleries, downtown. Art sale at gallery and online to support shelter, food, clothing and services for youths experiencing homelessness.

 lys.org/artevent

NOV. 7, THURSDAY

Companions on a Journey, Morning of Hope | 8-9:30 a.m. Center Park, West Chester. Breakfast and keynote speaker: Brent Billingsley, artist and behavioral health specialist, Cincinnati Children’s. Tickets: $30.

 givebutter.com/morningofhope24

HER Cincinnati, HER PWR Palooza 2024 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ACES Pickleball + Kitchen, Norwood. Pickleball tournament, food, drinks, pop-up shops and wellness areas. Registration: $65; $130 doubles.

 hercincinnati.org

NOV. 8, FRIDAY

Art Beyond Boundaries and CILO, Jazzed About Art | 6-10 p.m. Woodward Theater, Over-theRhine. Concert by Art Gore and the Jazz Knights. Cocktails, buffet dinner, cash bar, raffle, bourbon pull. Complimentary parking. Tickets: $75.  artbeyondboundaries.com

Cincinnati Museum Center, Layers of Innovation | 7 p.m. Adults-only evening with light bites from local restaurants, cocktails, programming and exclusive access to exhibits. Tickets: $250; host/hostess VIP couple: $600.  cincymuseum.org/layers

NOV. 9, SATURDAY

4C for Children, Champions Gala | 6 p.m. Hilton Netherland Plaza. Cocktail reception, dinner, dueling pianos, live auction and after-party. Honoring Loren Long, Susan Storer, Christina Campbell and Josie Watson. Black-tie optional. Tickets: $150.  4cforchildren.org

Aubrey Rose Foundation, Let’s Dance For the Heart of It | 5:30 p.m.-midnight. Lawrenceburg Event Center. Naked Karate Girls band, silent auction with Under the Sea theme, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, beer, wine and

On Nov. 9, 4C for Children will honor four Champions for Children at its gala at the Hilton Netherland Plaza

soft drinks. Black-tie optional. Tickets: $125; tables: $1,500.  aubreyrose.org

CABVI, Annual Dining in the Dark | 6-11 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Emcees: Natalie Jones, Q102, and Anna Marie, B105. Dinner under the blindfold, online auction, signature cocktail, split the pot, Wonka-themed costume contest and awards. Tickets: $175.  cincyblind.org/dining

NOV. 14, THURSDAY

Adopt A Class, Women’s Art Gallery Night | 6:30-8:30 p.m. ADC

Fine Art, West End. Local art sale, drinks and appetizers. Tickets: $25.  aacmentors.org/womens-night

Cancer Support Community, Stronger than Cancer | 6-9 p.m. North by Hotel Covington. Emcee: Bob Herzog, Local12. Presented by St. Elizabeth Healthcare with strolling dinner and bar, raffles, silent and live auctions and more. Tickets: $150.  mycancersupportcommunity.org

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Trivia Night | 5 p.m. Fowling Warehouse, Norwood. Fowling, dinner by-the-bite and trivia. Tickets: $65.  cycyouth.org/cyc-trivia-night

March of Dimes, Signature Chefs Gala | 5:30 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Emcee: Ken Baker, Fox19. Event chair: John Thomas. Silent auction. Tickets: $300.  signaturechefs.marchofdimes.org

Dining in the Dark , an annual blindfolded dinner hosted by CABVI, takes place Nov. 9 at Hard Rock Casino.

Cincinnati Works will unveil “Invisible Shackles,” an installation by Michael Coppage, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Nov. 19

Metropolitan Club, Met Award Dinner | 6-9 p.m. Metropolitan Club. Honoring Amy B. Spiller of Duke Energy with Metropolitan Award. Tickets: $250.

 metropolitanclub.net/award

Women Walking West, RISE Gala | 6-9 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Women Walking West works to remove educational barriers facing foreignborn adult women by creating learning communities. Gala evening celebrates achievements of mentees, recognizes mentors and reviews programs, plus silent auction and live music.

 womenwalkingwest.org

NOV. 15, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Zoo, Hops & Holly | 7 p.m. 21+ tasting event with festive drinks, music and character appearances. Tickets: $55.

 cincinnatizoo.org/events/hops-holly

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Night for a Cure | 6 p.m. Little Miami Brewing Company Event Center. Honors area healthcare and community leaders to celebrate progress toward CCF’s mission and continue to fundraise for cures.

 onecau.se/nightforacure24

NOV. 16, SATURDAY

Abercrumbie Group, Men of Honor | 6-10 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Black-tie event honoring Jonathan Brown, Darryl Haley, Robert Killins, Max Lagenkamp and Roddell McCullough. Tickets: $200.

 theabercrumbiegroup.com

People Working Cooperatively, Prepare Affair | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Volunteers rake leaves and clean gutters for seniors and homeowners living with disabilities.

 pwchomerepairs.org

NOV. 17, SUNDAY

Maple Knoll Village, Harry James Orchestra | 7-10 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Concert and dance benefiting programming at listener-supported radio stations operating out of Maple Knoll Village retirement community. Tickets: $30; at the door, $35.  cincinnatiarts.org

NOV. 19, TUESDAY

Cincinnati Works, Invisible Shackles | 5-7:30 p.m. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Unveiling of commissioned installation by Michael Coppage, “Invisible Shackles,” to launch program illuminating struggles faced by those impacted by poverty and the legal system.  cincinnatiworks.org

NOV. 21, THURSDAY

AFP Cincinnati, National Philanthropy Day | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Annual awards ceremony honoring philanthropic community members. Tickets: $75.  afpcincinnati.org

European American Chamber of Commerce, Beaujolais 2024| 6:30-9:30 p.m. Drees Pavilion. Tickets: EACC Member: $125; general: $150; at door: $175.  business.europe-cincinnati.com

Susan Storer Loren Long

Josie Watson

Christina Campbell

Cuisine Art Cocktails – the name says it all – takes place at the Contemporary Arts Center on Nov. 23

Maria Kalomenidou, co-author of the book for which the event is named, is honorary chair.

Chara Fisher

Jackson and Sarah Vanover will receive Charity in Action Awards at Learning Grove’s Gala in the Grove at the Hilton Netherland Plaza on Nov. 22

NOV. 22, FRIDAY

Learning Grove, Gala in the Grove | 6-11 p.m. Hilton Netherland Plaza. Charity in Action Award recipients: Chara Fisher Jackson and Sarah Vanover. Hors d’oeuvres, dinner, drinks, after-party, entertainment with Jayy The DJ, guest emcee Kelly Rippin of WLWT, live and silent auctions, raffle and storytelling. Event chair: Katriece Barrett. Tickets: $175.

 e.givesmart.com/events/CW3

Talbert House, Make Camp Possible | 7-10 p.m. Ivy Hills Country Club, Newtown. Western-themed event with live music by Rahnfeld, Mays & Frank, raffle, online auction, dinner, drinks and valet parking. RSVP by Nov. 13.

 talberthouse.org

NOV. 23, SATURDAY

Contemporary Arts Center, Cuisine Art Cocktails | 7-11 p.m. Artful collaboration between community, chefs and mixologists, creatives and business leaders. Honorary chair: Maria Kalomenidou, co-author of Cuisine Art Cocktails, CAC publication from 2016. Tickets: $175

for members; $200 for non-members (increases to $225 on Nov. 10)

 contemporaryartscenter.org/support

NOV. 28, THURSDAY

Western & Southern, Thanksgiving Day Race | 8:30 a.m. TQL Stadium. 5K, 10K and kids fun run. Proceeds benefit several charities.

 thanksgivingdayrace.com

DEC. 5, THURSDAY

World Affairs Council, Annual International Education Summit | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Northern Kentucky University Student Union. Lunch, workshops, career fair and speed networking for high school students. Tickets: $20.

 globalcincinnati.org

DEC. 10, TUESDAY

Assistance League, Jingle & Mingle

Holiday Luncheon & Style Show | 11 a.m. Ivy Hills Country Club, Newtown. Boutique, purse-a-palooza and wine pull. Tickets: $40.

 assistanceleaguecincinnati.org

Metropolitan Award

November 14, 2024 | 6 p.m. November 14, 2024 | 6 p.m.

Honoring Amy B. Spiller President, Duke Energy Utility Operations with the 25th Annual Metropolitan Award

The Metropolitan Award recognizes a local business leader for their exceptional service which unites our region through their contributions in business and in our community.

DEC. 14, SATURDAY

My Nose Turns Red, Circ-A-Thon | Circus skill challenges, circus demonstrations, silent auction and raffle.  mynoseturnsred.org/circ-a-thon

JAN. 19, SUNDAY

Benjamin Carlson-Berne Scholarship Foundation, Benefit Concert |

3 p.m. School for Creative and Performing Arts, Over-the-Rhine. Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins. Proceeds provide quality private music lessons for underserved youth.

 bcbscholarship.org

JAN. 24, FRIDAY

UC College-Conservatory of Music, Moveable Feast | 6:30 p.m. CCM Village, University of Cincinnati. Reception, performances and after-party. Tickets: $75.  foundation.uc.edu/MoveableFeast

FEB. 20, THURSDAY

Aubrey Rose Foundation, Dream It. Live It! | 6-9:30 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live auction with runway show, silent auction and raffles. Cocktail attire. Tickets: $50; tables: $750.  m.biddingforgood.com,

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

MARCH 1, FRIDAY

American Heart Association, Heart Ball | 6 p.m.-midnight. Sharonville Convention Center. Chair: Jill Meyer  heart.org/en/affiliates/ohio

MARCH 6, THURSDAY

Adopt A Class, Tomorrow’s Leaders Celebration | 6-9 p.m. UC Digital Futures. Games and interactive opportunities with community partners.  aacmentors.org

MARCH 14, FRIDAY

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

APRIL 10, THURSDAY

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

JUNE 6, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Revel & Rollick | Drinks, dinner by-the-bite and exclusive performance of “Mrs. Dalloway: A New Musical.”  cincyshakes.com 

18TH ANNUAL

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SUMMIT

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

Listings are free.*

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

Stand out

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

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

Nonprofit News

Cincinnati Zoo’s newest attraction, Elephant Trek, aims to be a game-changer for visitors, elephant conservation efforts.

Cincinnati Zoo opens new Elephant Trek habitat

After more than three years of construction, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s new Harry and Linda Fath Elephant Trek is open to the public.

This new habitat is about five times the size of the zoo’s previous elephant yards – featuring naturalistic trees, mud wallows, grasses, pools and streams inspired by a Southeast Asian forest.

Guests enter the habitat through the Komminsk Asian Waterfall Garden. Once inside, visitors will have the chance to check out the zoo’s current herd of Asian elephants: a bull elephant, Sabu; the females Anuk, SheRa, Jati, Mai Thai and Schottzie; and two young males, Kabir and Sanjay.

In Elephant Trek, the herd of elephants will have access to many inside spaces in the 22,000-square-foot Farmer Family Foundation Elephant Center, as well as three outdoor yards. Guests can view elephants in both the indoor and outdoor environments.

Phase 2 of Elephant Trek will open in the spring of 2025. It’ll include habitats that will allow for the introduction of other animal species – siamangs, babirusa, rhinoceros hornbills and even small-clawed otters.

There is no extra fee to enter Elephant Trek.

 cincinnatizoo.org

Holly Hill affiliates with fast-growing nonprofit

Holly Hill Children’s Home Inc., a local nonprofit provider of behavioral health services, has agreed to affiliate with Inperium Inc.

As part of this deal, Inperium – the nation’s fastest-growing nonprofit human services organization – will provide funds to advance Holly Hill’s mission, and the two organizations will combine their administrative operations.

Founded in 1884 by the Kentucky General



Assembly, Holly Hill offers a range of services, including outpatient behavioral health and residential treatment for girls, with offices in California, Kentucky, and Highland Heights, Kentucky.

Holly Hill CEO James Sherry emphasized Inperium’s “impressive record of consistently exceptional performance.”

The partners planned to finalize the affiliation on or around Nov. 1.

 hollyhill-ky.org

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful pilot aims to address illegal dumping

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful has introduced a new initiative to tackle illegal dumping in the city, which the nonprofit said costs taxpayers roughly $3 million to address each year.

To encourage legal disposal practices, KCB has launched the “Don’t Dump the ’Nati” pilot. As part of the program, residents can bring large items to 2121 State Ave. on the last Friday of each month, preventing these materials from littering city hillsides and stormwater drains.

Staff from the City of Cincinnati’s Department of Public Services will help load and haul away the debris. Accepted items include furniture, yard waste and other debris, preventing these materials from littering city hillsides and stormwater drains.

Another project partner is Rumpke Waste and Recycling.

 keepcincinnatibeautiful.org

Cincinnati Children’s makes top US pediatric hospitals list once again

Cincinnati Children’s has once again been named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll. The 2024-25 list features the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the United States out of 108 considered.

Cincinnati Children’s finished first in three specialties and placed in the top 10 for all 10

ranked categories. It was the only health system in the 13-state Midwest region, and one of just two nationwide, to accomplish that feat.

For the first time, U.S. News & World Report decided not to rank Honor Roll hospitals in numerical order, so there’s no top hospital this year. That shift, which began last year with adult hospitals, now applies to the children’s hospital rankings as well.

The magazine also added a Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health specialty to the rankings. The category includes the top 50 hospitals, without a specific order, with Cincinnati Children’s among those recognized.

Cincinnati Children’s has been on the list for more than 15 years in a row.

 health.usnews.com

Six nonprofits selected for Project XLR8 incubator

Social Venture Partners has chosen six local organizations to take part in the latest round of its Project XLR8, a business accelerator for nonprofits.

Participants earned selection based on their focus on innovation, promoting equity and how well they fit with SVP’s engagement approach. The multiphase program provides mentorship, business training and financial support to help the nonprofits turn socially innovative ideas into thriving programs.

Organizations taking part in the initial Explore Phase of Project XLR8 are City Gospel Mission, Leadership Council for Nonprofits, Oh She Built That, Rising Leaders Cincinnati, Sew Valley and Your Store of the Queen City. You can read about each project on the SVP Cincinnati website.

At the end of the program, SVP will select one idea as the focus of a sustained, multiyear community investment.

 svpcincinnati.org

Cincinnati Children’s once again earned a top spot on a list of best pediatric hospitals in the United States.

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful will provide once-a-month, free drop-off sites to cut down on illegal dumping.

UC sets school enrollment record

The University of Cincinnati had its largest enrollment ever this fall, with a total of 53,235 students. That marks a 4.5% increase from last year, according to university data.

UC colleges with the top enrollments: the College of Arts and Sciences with 8,578 students; the College of Engineering and Applied Science with 7,251 students; the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services with 6,819 students; and the Carl H. Lindner College of Business with 6,211 students. UC Blue Ash has 4,560 students.

“While many universities in Ohio and across the country are experiencing enrollment drops, the University of Cincinnati is continuing to grow, with a 10,000-student increase over the past decade,” Jack Miner, vice provost of enrollment management, said in a statement.

For fall 2024:

• Online learners increased by 9.6%.

• First-generation students increased by 10.4%.

• Enrollment at both of the university’s regional campuses increased. UC Blue Ash enrollment increased by 6.7% and UC Clermont experienced a 15.8% jump.

• New transfer student enrollment grew by 3.9%.

The UC student body is now more diverse than ever, with students of color making up 28.7% of the more than 53,000 students.

One area where UC did see a drop was in first-year student enrollment. It dipped by 2.2% for the fall semester.

 uc.edu

bi3, Interact for Health

honored for HEY! Cincinnati

bi3 and Interact for Health received the 2024 Philanthropy Innovation Award from Philanthropy Ohio.

Philanthropy Ohio, a statewide membership association, honored bi3 and Interact for Health

for developing Hopeful Empowered Youth, also known as HEY! Cincinnati. This effort brought together community organizations, healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, families and young people to support the well-being of all youth.

The initiative’s 10-year vision is for every young person in Greater Cincinnati to enjoy optimal mental health, free from stigma. The goal is to empower local youth to reach their full potential.

 philanthropyohio.org

Aviatra Accelerators launches Covington incubator

Aviatra Accelerators has launched a new incubator in Covington’s Innovation Alley.

The Aviatra Incubator, located next to its current office on West Pike Street, will provide early-stage women entrepreneurs in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with resources, mentorship and community to accelerate the growth of their fledgling businesses.

Beyond traditional startup support, the program offers what Aviatra President Jill Morenz called “a safe, comfortable and collaborative space” where women can “connect, share knowledge and grow alongside fellow female entrepreneurs.”

 aviatraaccelerators.org

Ohio Valley Goodwill plans expansion to Woodlawn, elsewhere

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries just opened a new store in Deerfield Township, but the nonprofit is already eager to make the next step in its growth.

The organization’s president and CEO, Mark Hiemstra, and his team are focusing on opening a new outlet in Woodlawn, the location of the organization’s headquarters.

The Woodlawn facility will be among the “greenest” Goodwill sites in the country

– recycling thousands of items on-site every week, Hiemstra said. OVGI recently received a grant from Hamilton County R3Source for its efforts. It will be the 21st Goodwill retail location in Southwest Ohio. Hiemstra has set a goal of at least 30 stores in the region by 2030.

Hiemstra said in late August that the growth plan represents Goodwill’s “commitment to the entire Ohio Valley, and this is just the beginning.”

Last year, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries served over 2,100 individuals with disabilities, veterans and others with barriers to employment. It also helped place over 400 people into community jobs.

 cincinnatigoodwill.org

Cincinnati Nature Center hosts groundbreaking for new field station

Cincinnati Nature Center is preparing to welcome a new $3.6 million field station at Long Branch Farm and Trails.

The 4,000-square-foot Center for Conservation’s Field Station will be a hub for activities including field research, native plant production and restoration projects. The space will feature a native seed processing and storage barn, lab workstations, equipment space and additional plant cultivation hoop houses. It’ll also have meeting space, office space and public restrooms.

“To provide proper, modern conservation field station facilities,” said Jeff Corney, executive director of the Cincinnati Nature Center, “we must construct a hub for our communitybased conservation activities.” This is the first building constructed by Cincinnati Nature Center since 1971. The nonprofit expects it to open in fall 2025.

“We’ve repurposed and restored several buildings over the years, but now it’s time to meet our critical mission needs and take a fresh approach at Long Branch,” Corney added.

 cincynature.org 

The University of Cincinnati experienced record enrollment in fall 2024.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries leaders view the Deerfield Township expansion as one aspect of a major growth strategy.

Rendering of Cincinnati Nature Center’s new station at Long Branch Farm and Trails.

The Christ Hospital Health Network has hired two executives. Dr. Marcus Romanello is its new vice president for medical affairs and chief medical officer. Romanello was most recently chief medical officer at Kettering Health Hamilton Hospital, part of the Kettering Health System. He was a member of the executive team responsible for quality and safety improvements as well as financial stewardship. Joyce Oh has been named chief information and digital transformation officer. Oh will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of network’s digital transformation efforts, overseeing all aspects of information technology and healthcare technology management.

The Life Learning Center added Tim Fogarty, CEO of West Chester Holdings Inc., Cady Short-Thompson, president of Northern Kentucky University, and Todd M. Schneider, CEO of Cintas, to its board of directors. Life Learning Center, a nonprofit organization in Covington, is dedicated to transforming lives through education and support resources.

Three leaders from the Northern Kentucky community have joined the BE NKY Growth Partnership board of directors. Northern Kentucky University President Cady Short-Thompson was appointed by Campbell County Judge-Executive Steve Pendery and the Campbell County Fiscal Court. Florence Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon was appointed by Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore.

SWECO President Brian Carr was appointed by Judge-Executive Moore and the Boone County Fiscal Court. BE NKY board vice chair Carey Sanders was reappointed to another three-year term.



The board of t rustees at the Art Academy of Cincinnati appointed six new members and a new board chair. Emily Holtrop, director of learning and interpretation at Cincinnati Art Museum, was appointed board chair. The new board members are: Chip Gerhardt , president and founder of Government Strategies Group; Mu Sinclaire Jr., president and CEO of Sinclaire Family Office; Jim Crosset , retired CFO for Mesa Industries and former director of business affairs for UC’s College of Law; Calvin McDaniel Jr., senior associate director of external relations at Miami University; Greg Olson, CEO of Urban Sites and its affiliated entities; and Dan Fales, partner, CPA at KMK Law.

Susan E. Thomas, president of the Fifth Third Community Development Corporation, has been tapped to co-chair a new National Housing Crisis Task Force aimed at elevating the best ideas from across the country to help solve the housing crisis. Thomas, the only non-governmental co-chair, is a former Port executive and brings a wealth of expertise in housing and community development banking.

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is set to welcome Beth Smith as its new executive director. Smith spent the past 23 years at Pathways to Home. In the last 10 years as executive director, she tripled the size of Pathways to Home’s organization, including adding new programs, opening a second location and starting the Food Pantry Initiative.



DePaul Cristo Rey High School honored volunteer Dan Valerio with DPCR’s Founders Leadership Award. Valerio began volunteering at DPCR in 2019 following his retirement from P&G. His work with the school has primarily focused on admissions and DPCR’s Corporate Work Study. This school year he also began teaching technology skills to freshmen.

Brian Pokrywka , senior counsel at Duke Energy, was elected to the board of d irectors of Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

Gateway Community & Technical College welcomed four new members to its board of directors. Three are appointments made by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear: Michelle Hughes, vice president of sales for ITDS Division of the Castellini Group of Companies; Col Owens, a retired attorney from Fort Mitchell; and Covington-based Olivia Keller, an attorney at Stites & Harbison. Agnes VanderPutten is an elected student representative. The business administration student will serve a one-year term.

Dan Valerio

Beth Smith

Brian Pokrywka

Calvin McDaniel Jr.

Susan E. Thomas Jim Crosset

Dan Fales Mu Sinclaire Jr.

Greg Olson

Emily Holtrop

Brian Carr

Julie Metzger Aubuchon

Todd M. Schneider

Cady Short-Thompson

Tim Fogarty

Marcus Romanello

Chip Gerhardt

Agnes VanderPutten

Olivia Keller

Col Owens

Michelle Hughes

Joyce Oh

Cincinnati Opera elected officers for its board of trustees and added nine trustees and two board associates. Officers are: board President Ronald T. Bates, managing director of 1919 Investment Counsel; Chair Melanie M. Chavez , partner, Chavez Properties; Treasurer Robert Bitter, partner, Deloitte & Touche; and Secretary Charles E. Baverman III, partner, Dinsmore & Shohl.

New trustees are: Aine Baldwin, senior attorney, The Kroger Co.; Dr. Onassis Caneris, interventional pain management specialist, Riverhills Neuroscience; Kristy Davis-Mustain, employee engagement and internal communications manager, Johnson & Johnson MedTech; Mike Kelly, founder and principal adviser, Kelly Financial Planning; Helen Kemp, R&D director, disruptive innovation and feminine wellness platform, Procter & Gamble; Bo-Kyung Kim Kirby, retired, Northern Kentucky University; Tarita Preston, professional life and leadership coach; Cristina Rugg , senior brand manager, Procter & Gamble; and Ann Santen, retired, 90.9 WGUC.

New members of the Cincinnati Opera Board Associates, a board subsidiary composed of young professionals, are: Sawyer Clifton, account executive, Integrity Express Logistics; and Nicolette Rader, engagement officer, Cincinnati Parks Foundation.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cincinnati Chapter appointed Ken Coggeshall as the chapter’s first-ever executive director. Coggeshall joins AFP from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he served as director of admissions and development. He has held leadership roles as the development director at Special Olympics Hamilton County and donor relations manager at The Children’s Home of Cincinnati. The AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter supports the professional development of fundraising professionals and provides leadership to the fundraising community.

Robert “Chip” Harrod , executive director of the nonpartisan interfaith organization EquaSion, has been selected for the 15th class of the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame for his pioneering work in human relations and civil rights for over half a century. Harrod was originator and founding president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He directed efforts to bring about police reforms after the Timothy Thomas shooting, organized one of the Midwest’s first Jewish-Muslim dialogues after 9/11 and led the repeal of Cincinnati’s anti-gay charter amendment in 2004.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has promoted Dashai Thompson to director of inclusive business strategies. This new role expands on her previous work as a talent strategies and inclusion specialist. As director, Thompson will work to grow and attract a diverse workforce

to the region. Her responsibilities will include helping to develop talent strategies, building relationships with employers to address workforce concerns, leading the creation of inclusive workplace policies, tracking progress related to initiatives and developing talent pipelines. Thompson is a Northern Kentucky native and a graduate of Indiana Technical College. She joined the Chamber in July 2022.

The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center appointed Christine Perme as chief operating officer. Perme, a CPA with an MBA, brings more than 30 years of experience in for-profit and nonprofit sectors, including leadership roles at the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio and Cincinnati Nature Center.

Greater Cincinnati AHA , regional branch of the American Heart Association, appointed Deborah Hayes, president and CEO at The Christ Hospital Health Network, as board president and Mark Carter, president and chief operating officer of Cintas, as board chair. Both are longtime supporters and advocates of the AHA.



Longtime Price Hill Will staffer

Samantha Conover is taking the reins as the nonprofit’s interim executive director, following Rachel Hastings’ resignation. An East Price Hill resident, Conover has been with PHW since 2016, serving first as community engagement coordinator, then community engagement director and most recently, operations director. Hastings will work closely with Conover over the next few months to ensure a successful transition. Hastings will step down Jan. 1, 2025, then will serve as a consultant to the organization for the next year, focusing on key projects. PHW’s board plans to conduct a search to find the next full-time executive director. 

Christine Perme Dashai Thompson

Chip Herrod

Ken Coggeshall

Cristina Rugg

Aine Baldwin

Nicolette Rader

Mike Kelly

Tarita Preston

Charles E. Baverman III

Sawyer Clifton

Kristy Davis-Mustain

Bo-Kyung Kim Kirby

Robert Bitter

Ann Santen

Onassis Caneris

Helen Kemp

Melanie M. Chavez

Mark Carter

Deborah Hayes

Samantha Conover

Gifts & Grants

Xavier lands $60M gift amid record-setting fundraising period

Xavier University has received a $60 million planned gift from the Klekamp family, the largest donation in school history. This gift also continues a record-setting fundraising period for the private Catholic university.

In the last two years, XU has received the four largest donations in its history. These include a $50 million anonymous gift to launch the Xavier University College of Osteopathic Medicine, a $50 million estate gift from Harry and Linda Fath to strengthen Xavier’s endowment and $30 million from John and Sarah Lechleiter to build an interdisciplinary sciences building on campus.

Over the past 25 years, Xavier has raised nearly $900 million, making up 94% of what the school has received all-time, according to the university. Nearly one-third of that giving has taken place in the last three years during the tenure of President Colleen Hanycz.

Hanycz thanked the Klekamps for their “extraordinary generosity.” Although the specific uses of the family’s gift were not disclosed, Hanycz emphasized that it would be key to helping the university build “toward its third century of educating the whole person.”

 xavier.edu

Initiative invests $550K in The Crown bike trail

A collaboration of national foundations and civic leaders has committed $550,000 over the next three years to help complete a 34-mile urban trail loop around Greater Cincinnati.

The Crown initiative, led by the nonprofit Tri-State Trails, received this funding from Reimagining the Civic Commons, a

collaboration of the JPB Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation and the William Penn Foundation, along with local partners.

Cincinnati plans to use this funding to construct the Mill Creek Greenway section of the trail, which will extend from Northside to Lower Price Hill.

 tristatetrails.org/crown

Urban League gets $430K from city for small business bootcamp

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio received a grant of $430,000 from the City of Cincinnati to support the launch of the Women of Color: Access to Capital Bootcamp, a program designed to assist small businesses, specifically those with 100 or fewer employees and annual revenue under $5 million.

Developed through a partnership between the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center and the city’s Department of Economic Inclusion, this initiative aims to empower historically marginalized entrepreneurs by equipping them with the essential tools, knowledge and connections needed to secure business funding and drive economic growth.

While the program is primarily focused on businesses located within the City of Cincinnati, entrepreneurs from the Hamilton County area are also encouraged to apply.

 ulgso.org/entrepreneurs, 513-559-2218 or vsanchez@ulgso.org

Partnership for Innovation in Education gets $500K grant

Partnership for Innovation in Education received a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation to enhance

workforce development efforts through the DriveOhio initiative.

This funding enables PIE to further develop and deploy the free DriveOhio K-12 Educator Toolkit, which provides educators and their students with immersive learning activities, career development, training, work-based learning and resource access.

The program aims to prepare students across the state for in-demand and high-paying career opportunities in electric vehicles, advanced mobility, drone technology and advanced manufacturing in the automotive and aviation industries. It serves students in kindergarten through high school as well as those in career technical, community college and university settings.

Over 700 educators and workforce stakeholders across Ohio have downloaded the toolkit.

 drive.ohio.gov

KeyBank invests $300,000 in Minority Business Accelerator

Cincinnati’s Minority Business Accelerator has received a $300,000 investment to boost growth, create jobs and stimulate economic activity across the region.

The funding from KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation will help the accelerator provide customized support to at least 25 high-potential minority-owned businesses each year for the next three years. The accelerator’s staff, consultants and experts will create a comprehensive “one-stop shop” offering a range of resources to these emerging businesses.

As an affiliate of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the accelerator has helped local minority-owned businesses achieve nearly $2 billion in annual revenues and create over 3,500 sustainable jobs since its launch 20 years ago.

 minoritybusinessaccelerator.com

A $550,000 grant will help spur development of The Crown trail on the Cincinnati’s West Side.

The Klekamp family’s $60 million planned gift to Xavier University is the largest donation in school history.

Alums gift $5M to Miami for sustainability goals

A $5 million gift from Miami University alumni Sharon and Graham Mitchell aims to accelerate the university’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

Miami University President Gregory Crawford announced the creation of the Sharon and Graham Mitchell Sustainability Park during the school’s “Flip the Switch for Sustainability” event.

The park will feature two ground-mount solar panel installations in partnership with Melink Solar; solar panel canopies over parking lots near the Western Geothermal Plant and the Miami University Child Development Center and a grand entrance facing Ohio 73. It’ll have plenty of greenspace and walking paths that connect to nearby trails in Miami University’s picturesque natural areas.

Miami will break ground this winter on the two ground-mount solar photovoltaic installations.

The Mitchells, who graduated from Miami in the 1970s, are longtime supporters of the university and sustainability.

“When we heard President Crawford declare that Miami is committed to carbon net neutrality by 2040, and we heard him talk about Miami’s approach to get there by changing our own campus space – not buying carbon credits, well, it aligned perfectly with the change we want to be,” Sharon Mitchell said.

 miamioh.edu

Millstone Fund to help Santa Maria support Price Hill preschoolers

Santa Maria Community Services Inc. received a $400,000 grant from the Millstone Fund for its Promoting Our Preschoolers program. This grant will help Santa Maria Community Services continue to operate

the Promoting Our Preschoolers program, which provides comprehensive early childhood education and support services to 3- to 5-year-old children in the Greater Price Hill area. The program focuses on children from families facing economic, linguistic and logistic barriers to preschool.

With this funding, Santa Maria will serve 110 children and their families through biweekly home visits and group activities. The funding will also support the development and implementation of a plan to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

“This crucial funding will ensure that families get the vital resources and support they need to establish a strong foundation for the educational development of the next generation’s children,” said Jorge Seda, chair of Santa Maria’s board of directors.

 santamaria-cincy.org

Impact 100 awards $430K to 7 local nonprofits

Impact 100 awarded a total of $430,000 in grants to seven local nonprofits to support innovative projects focused on benefiting communities and residents across Greater Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati chapter of the grant-making organization provided four $100,000 prizes and three finalists each received $10,000.

• CityLink Center – $100,000

• Cornerstone Renter Equity – $100,000

• Last Mile Food Rescue – $100,000

• UpSpring – $100,000

• The Bridge Adaptive Sports and Recreation

– $10,000

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southwest Ohio & Transform – $10,000

• Ohio Justice & Policy Center – $10,000

Winning organizations received the highest rankings on member ballots. Details about awarded programs are available at the website below.

Impact 100 honored the winners during its 2024 Annual Awards Celebration at Music Hall.

 impact100.org

Graeter’s Ice Cream sales support The Cure Starts Now for 16th year

Graeter’s Ice Cream donated $290,000 to The Cure Starts Now as part of its annual Cones for the Cure campaign.

Through this 11-day event, Graeter’s customers supported The Cure Starts Now and pediatric brain cancer research by making donations and buying Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream. The total amount also includes company donations. All 56 Graeter’s retail stores took part.

Funds from the Cones for the Cure campaign will help The Cure Starts Now, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit focused on funding novel pediatric cancer research. The money will support up to 20 new research projects and trials.

Over the past 16 years, the Cones for the Cure event has raised more than $2 million for The Cure Starts now.

 thecurestartsnow.org

Cincinnati Mine Machinery Gives $100,000 to national foundation

To mark its 100th anniversary, the Cincinnati Mine Machinery Company made a $100,000 donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The national foundation supports first responders and veterans who have lost their lives or been severely injured while serving.

Robert Stenger Sr., president and CEO of CMM, made the donation presentation during this year’s National Mining Association’s MINExpo in Las Vegas.

Founded in 1924, Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co. is a fourth-generation global manufacturer of mining machinery equipment for the coal, salt, potash, gypsum and trona mining industries.

 cinmine.com 

Sharon and Graham Mitchell donated $5 million to Miami University to create a sustainability park and to help the school reach its environmental goals.

Cincinnati Mine Machinery Company donated $100,000 to a national organization focused on supporting first responders and veterans who have lost their lives or been severely injured.

Snapshots

Who, what, where & why

Parks Foundation holds Hats Off Luncheon along the Ohio

The Cincinnati Parks Foundation’s 18th annual Hats Off Luncheon raised critical funds for local parks and green spaces. Held under a perfect early-autumn sky at John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park, the event brought together nearly 1,000 community leaders, donors and park supporters to celebrate the foundation’s efforts to create, conserve and connect in Cincinnati Parks.

This year’s luncheon highlighted wellness initiatives, free community events, litter removal and tree-planting efforts across the city.

The event also recognized Dr. Jennifer Angeli with the Phyllis W. Smale Award. Angeli is founder and organizer of Cincinnati Children’s be.well program, a fitness and wellness initiative that brings kids with special needs into Cincinnati Parks.

 cincinnatiparksfoundation.org

Tim Sparks and Nancy Sparks

Hats Off luncheon volunteers: Gail Seifert, Emily Headley, Edna Keown, Alva Reid, Glenda Suttman, Sue Lewis, Jackie Bryson, Gretchen Thomas and Lisa Dir

Danielle Waines and Stephanie Taleghani



DJ Apryl Reign

Molly Vollmer, Helen Heekin, Debbie Oliver and Katherine Jarnigo

Rhiannon Hoeweler, Elaine Schomaker and Tarita Preston

Cars courtesy of Kerry Automotive outfitted with hats from Abby Langdon

Jerry Ewers, Jane Clarke, Jennifer Spieser, Clark Sole and Brian Tiffany

Dr. Jennifer Angeli, recipient of the Phyllis W. Smale Award; Jennifer Hafner Spieser, president and CEO of Cincinnati Parks Foundation; and co-chair Edna Keown

Hats Off Luncheon honorary co-chairs Cathy Crain, Carrie Hayden and Edna Keown

Photos by Paige Pederzani cincinnati Parks foundation

Photo Credits Courtesy: Kayla Rae Photography

Ronald McDonald House gala raises more than $1.1M

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati’s annual gala, held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, raised more than $1.1 million. Nearly 700 people attended. Co-chairs were Pam Bonfield and Nancy Sparks, with Michelle Hudgens as the emcee. Ronald McDonald House provides a place to stay and other comforts for families while their critically ill children receive medical care.

 rmhcincinnati.org

The theme of the gala, held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, was Imagine the Possibilities. Nearly 700 guests attended.

(Back) Kyle Kramer, Colin Finnecy and Stella Welly; (front) Ava McDermott, Sophie Bordron, Michael Keller and Jess Stanke

The ballroom, decorated for the gala

Jessie Schmidt, Jamie Horn, Kelly Janszen and Nancy Nguyen

John Mericle, Audrey Mericle, co-chair Pam Bomfield, Gordon Bonfield, Jim Huesing and Karen Huesing

Emcee Michelle Hudgens led the Adopt A Family (AAF) portion of the evening.

Co-chair Pam Bonfield speaks to attendees as co-chair Nancy Sparks looks on.

CancerFree KIDS celebration hits million-dollar mark

CancerFree KIDS raised $1 million at its Celebration of Courage at MegaCorp Pavilion. This includes $618,000 raised in CFK’s Fund-A-Grant, where 100% of donations go directly to research. A 100 Mile Challenge through September invited individuals and teams to complete 100 miles of activity and raise $100 for childhood cancer research.

 cancerfreekids.org

CancerFree KIDS former board chair Al Early, senior VP of global application and professional services for CBTS, leads the Rockers for Research All Star Band at the after party concert.

Art auction nets $134K for Cincinnati Nature Center

Art enthusiasts wore nature-themed attire and colorful masks to Cincinnati Nature Center’s annual Back to Nature event, set at Krippendorf Lodge. Guests enjoyed live music while dining on light bites and signature foraged cocktails made from ingredients harvested at the Nature Center. Auctions of 166 items helped raise $134,000 for the center. Among them were art pieces, one-of-a-kind experiences, food packages and sports memorabilia. Former executive director Bill Hopple was honored with a new title of executive director emeritus. Hopple served as executive director for 23 years. Cincinnati Nature Center offers more than 1,800 acres of forests, fields, streams and ponds, providing experiences for people of all ages in all seasons.

 cincynature.org

CancerFree KIDS Executive Director Jill Brinck welcomes guests to the Celebration of Courage.

Local 12’s Bob Herzog and John Gumm entertain as event emcees.

Presenting sponsor altafiber and guests: Keith Weyler, Julie Weyler, Julia Fox, CEO Leigh Fox, Chris Pettigrew, Holly Pettigrew and Laurie Richardson

Ginny Kuertz, Henry Thoman, Anne Davies and Rick Kuertz

Anne Paul, Kristen O’Driscoll, Laura Sheldon and Olivia Sheldon

Abby Mitchel, Heidi Black and Jen Castellini

Sharon Mitchell and Graham Mitchell

Melinda Simon and Irwin Simon

David Bohl, Bill Hopple and Jeff Corney

Photos by c arole barnhart

AJC honors four who foster unity

AJC Cincinnati’s 2024 National Human Relations Award event welcomed 400 community members, including public officials, clergy and leaders from the business and nonprofit sectors. The event’s theme, “Compassionate Horizons: Celebrating Local Changemakers in the Catholic and Jewish Communities,” honored Julie Shifman and Steve Shifman, and Sarah Fogarty and Tim Fogarty. The couples received recognition for their bridge-building efforts to foster unity and promote understanding. The keynote panel focused on “Finding Solidarity in the Face of Hate,” exploring how the Jewish and Catholic communities can stand together to combat bigotry and overcome extremist threats.

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people and is celebrating 80 years in Cincinnati.  ajc.org/cincinnati

Event co-chair Suzette Fisher, Nancy Wolf, David Wolf and co-chair Michael Fisher

The Fogarty Family: Justin Vanderglas, Mary Kate Vanderglas, Claire Frank, honorees Tim Fogarty and Sarah Fogarty, Tom Fogarty, Marie Fogarty, Katie Fogarty and Jack Fogarty

Karen Meyer, Sanjukta Chaudhuri and Moira Weir

Rick Michelman, past president, AJC Cincinnati; Justin Kirschner, regional director; Jan Armstrong Cobb, AJC Cincinnati president

Chandra Gravely, Krista Dunlap, Ryan Dunlap and Mel Gravely

Jake Shifman, Ari Shifman, honorees Steve Shifman and Julie Shifman, Alex Shifman

Rabbi Gary P. Zola; Sarah Weiss, CPO, Greater Cincinnati Foundation; Tony Stieritz, CEO, Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio  AJC board member Amy Gerowitz, immediate past president Carolyn Gilbert and Lois Cohen

AJC Cincinnati held its National Human Relations Award event in the Hall of Mirrors at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.

Salsa event raises support for Angels’ Castle

“Salsa!” was the theme of a fundraiser for Angels’ Castle, which offers continuing education and support to young adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities.

Angels’ Castle founders Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro Ryes and their son, Louie Ryes, hosted the fourth annual fundraiser at their home in Indian Hill. There were several salsa performances and salsa lessons under the leadership of Michael Beck. Local media personality Julie O’Neill was emcee. Volunteers from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine helped out. The party featured food, cocktails and a silent auction. The event raised money and awareness for construction of the Angels’ Castle campus in Springfield Township.

 angelscastle.org

Maria Rosa Reina, Dr. Beatriz Porras and Chelo DIaz Marin

Emcee Julie O’Neill and Angels’ Castle founder Dr. Beatriz Porras

UK medical students volunteered at the party: (back) Frida Flores, Kamilly Lousado, Fernanda Leventis, Mariam Elgomos, Mary Geddie, Emma Ridener, Joan George, David Szczykutowicz, Lili Burton, Alejandra Castano, board secretary Dr. Alvaro Ryes, Dr. Beatriz Porras, MJ Castano and Merris Castelló; (front) Nick Brunner, Louie Ryes, Jonathon Mason and Marco Ryes

Michael Beck teaches salsa to guests.

Board member Jon Mason, board adviser Maria Mason, Emily Bricker, Andrew Seitz, Olivia Bricker, Jilian Kirby, Michelle Bricker and Mike Bricker

Architectural sketch of Angels’ Castle campus

ArtWorks’ big fundraiser makes Newport shine

“Art Off the Walls: Sunrise to Starlight,” the biggest fundraiser of the year for ArtWorks, brought hundreds of supporters to Newport Car Barn. Guests savored cuisine from Mazunte and sipped New Riff bourbon while participating in silent and live auctions, experiencing dance performances by Pones, getting down to smooth beats by DJ Monet and much more.

Jens G. Rosenkrantz Jr. and M. Katherine Hurley were co-chairs. Sponsors included P&G and Cincinnati Magazine. ArtWorks creates community-based public art and provides career opportunities for artists of all ages.

 artworkscincinnati.org

‘Fueling the Future’ dinner raises funds for iSPACE STEM education

iSPACE celebrated over 20 years of STEM educational programs at its inaugural Fueling the Future dinner. The event raised nearly $250,000 to support the nonprofit’s students.

Sue Hare, CEO of iSPACE, outlined the organization’s growth plan and vision for expansion. A359 Partners in Architecture provided concept renderings of a future extension to the building owned by iSPACE and Gorman Heritage Farm on Reading Road in Evendale.

The iSPACE mission is to ignite a passion for science and technology so all learners are prepared to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.

 ispace-inc.com

Mural studio artist Ellie Wallace

Guests danced at Newport Car Barn for the ArtWorks fundraiser.

Chef Renée Schuler

Pam Kravetz, Colleen Houston, Dominique Khoury Sutton and Ken Pray

Pones dancers including Jillian Kreimer (front) and Marrow Kretzer (right)

Photos by Phil a r Mstrong

Jeff Morgan, iSPACE alum Jack Morgan and Emily Morgan

(center) Evendale Mayor Richard H. Finan

(Far left) John Juech, Duke Energy OH/KY director of public affairs and communications

Hamilton County

Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Kode

Sammarco spoke at the iSPACE event.

Men’s 14K top finishers: Brett Morley (third place), Tyler Wirth (first) and

Brewery run wraps up TQL series

Nearly 2,500 runners and walkers celebrated Oktoberfest weekend in Cincinnati with the annual 14K and 7K Brewery Run; 1,350 people finished the 14K brewery run, and 1,082 completed the 7K.

The Brewery Run is the final event in the yearlong TQL Beer Series for Pig Works, the umbrella organization for the Flying Pig Marathon and events throughout the season. The day also honored the 17 TQL Beer Series Brewmeisters, who have participated in every event throughout all 12 years of the Beer Series.

 flyingpigmarathon.com

Women’s 14K top finishers: Lexi Baker (second place), Natalie Leverone (third) and Daniella Townsend (first) with the Flying Pig mascot and Doug Olberding

Honoring 125 Years of History With an Investment in Your Future!

Twin Towers is a community of rich tradition with exciting renovations underway to make an impact on your future. New designs include renovated independent and assisted living apartments and a rejuvenation of our community areas.

“I’m thrilled with the advancements and evolution of senior living, especially with the multiple levels of living and care offered. We’ve positively increased residents’ quality of life in the three decades I’ve worked in senior living.”

-Scott McQuinn

Women’s 7K top finishers: Cheryl Bayart (third place), Christi-Anne Beatty (first) and Megan Francus (second)

Men’s 7K top finishers: Joseph Stimler (second place), Pat Witte (first) and Jeremy Jones (third), with the Flying Pig mascot

, President and CEO of Life Enriching Communities

Jersson Pachar (second) with Doug Olberding, CEO of Pig Works

Beech Acres Parenting Center breakfast raises over $120K

Beech Acres Parenting Center celebrated 175 years of building strong families with the inaugural Love Grows Here Breakfast at MadTree Brewing. Nearly 225 guests heard inspiring stories of impact and the event raised more than $120,000.

Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney presented a proclamation declaring Beech Acres Day. Denice Yosafat and Jennifer Dougherty shared their connections, highlighting their long family ties with the organization.

“We are bringing out the best in humanity, seeding generations of love stories where everyone can thrive,” CEO Laura Mitchell said.

 beechacres.org/fortheloveofkids

Tim Stautberg, Beth Stautberg and Maria Burquest

Rogelle Hackworth of P&G and Emily Lee of Cincinnati Children’s

Nearly 225 guests attended the Love Grows Here Breakfast.

Lisa Babb, vice president of With All Families, and Chara Fisher Jackson of Preschool Promise

Laura Mitchell, Beech Acres president and CEO

Brice Mickey, Beech Acres VP of diversity, equity and inclusion; Miyah Bird of School Board School; and Ohio state Rep. Dani Isaacsohn

Victoria Jamison, director of Prevention Services for With All Families, and Shalay Pitts, director of prevention services for Effective School Solutions

Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, left, presents a proclamation to CEO Laura Mitchell and former CEO Jim Mason.

Teresa Ames, Eric Kearney of the African American Chamber of Commerce and Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney

Maurice Stewart of the University of Cincinnati Foundation, Tim Stautberg and Eric Kearney

‘Yellow Bus’ mural, Book Bank giveaways celebrate reading

Queen City Book Bank and ArtWorks celebrated two big events: QCBB’s inaugural book delivery of the school year and the dedication of a new mural.

The mural, designed by renowned artist and QCBB board member Loren Long, celebrates the work of the book bank and Long’s bestseller “The Yellow Bus.”

More than 200 guests celebrated the mural’s dedication at QCBB’s Queensgate headquarters. School bus service provider First Student brought a yellow bus and created a “Move that bus!” moment. Ten ArtWorks apprentices and two teaching artists, Paul Loehle and Brooke Owens, created the mural.

Three days after the mural dedication, partner organizations, supporters and volunteers joined QCBB for a special book delivery to HaysPorter Elementary in the West End. The other 16 schools in the program also received the book. Each student receives one book per month.

 queencitybookbank.org, artworkscincinnati.org

One scholarship one student Limitless impact

A Hays-Porter student celebrates “The Yellow Bus” book delivery.

Loren Long, author and illustrator of “The Yellow Bus,” joins Queen City Book Bank and other community partners to deliver books to students at Hays-Porter School.

Author and Illustrator Loren Long, Queen City Book Bank CEO Michelle Otten Guenther and ArtWorks CEO & Artistic Director Colleen Houston celebrate the unveiling and dedication of “The Yellow Bus” Artworks mural at the QCBB.

Queen City Book Bank and other community partners prepare to deliver “The Yellow Bus” books to Hays-Porter School.

Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits celebrates Children's Law Center’s 35 years

Children's Law Center celebrated its 35th anniversary at its third annual Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits Brunch, presented by Johnson Investment Counsel. The program featured a keynote speech from Rayshun Holt, CLC board member and program director at Cincinnati Works.

With nearly 200 people in attendance, CLC raised $81,000 – more than any previous CLC brunch event. Funds raised will support CLC's work to protect the rights of children and youth in the region.

 childrenslawky.org

Jason

DeSantis and Emily DeSantis speak with Nancy Bender and J. David

Shepard Fairey discusses career, socially engaged art at Art Academy

Iconic street artist Shepard Fairey visited the Art Academy of Cincinnati for an artist talk and Q&A. In conversation with Art Academy President Joe Girandola, Fairey shed light on his artistic training and career in screen printing and street art, and provided insight about the power of socially engaged art.

The Art Academy provided voter registration opportunities and information for those present. ArtWorks organized a “Get Out the Vote” mural project with Fairey, which included the creation of a large-scale mural in Cincinnati and dozens of smaller, temporary wheatpaste murals in Cincinnati and Columbus.

 artacademy.edu, artworkscincinnati.org

Gabriel Fletcher, Best Boots contest winner

CLC Development Director Sydney Pepper and keynote speaker Rayshun Holt

Event committee members Kennady Rabe and Brandie Ellery, development director Sydney Pepper, executive director Sasha Naiman and committee member Melissa Morandi

Harold Kremer showing off his boots in the Best Boots contest

Bender.

CLC board of directors: (back) Dave Nienaber, Judge Karen Thomas, Emily DeSantis, and Olivia Keller (front) J. David Bender, Alethea Teh Busken, Kate Willis, executive director Sasha Naiman, Megan Schultz and Lauren Risner

Shepard Fairey with Art Academy President Joe Girandola

Thomas More University opens new Academic Center

Students, alumni, faculty, staff, community leaders and friends of Thomas More University gathered on the Crestview Hills, Kentucky, campus to celebrate the opening of the university’s new Academic Center.

The 34,000-square-foot facility is home to the Robert W. Plaster College of Business; the Dr. Anthony ’65 and Geraldine ’66 Zembrodt Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; the Center for Faith, Mission and Catholic Education; and the Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III ’67 Institute for Religious Liberty.

The ribbon-cutting event included remarks from university and community leaders and a blessing of the building led by Monsignor Gerald Twaddell.

Construction of the center is key to the university’s strategic plan and its supporting Second Century Campaign, which has surpassed $40.3 million to date.

 thomasmore.edu

named for Dr. Thomas H. & Juanita Z. Hanna, ’58.

Crestview Hills Mayor Paul Meier



Thomas More University community, including students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university, cut the ribbon on the Academic Center.

Shelby Thompson, president of the Thomas More Student Government Association

Thomas More University

President Joseph L. Chillo speaks before cutting the ribbon on the new Academic Center.

Magnified Giving dinner reflects on theme ‘Giving is Good’

Magnified Giving gathered 275 supporters, participants and community leaders at Cooper Creek in Blue Ash for its largest annual Fall Dinner. The organization’s mission is to educate, engage and inspire youth in philanthropy.

The event’s theme was “Giving is Good,” an idea explored by keynote speaker Kate Schroder, president and CEO of event sponsor Interact for Health.

Former Cincinnati City Council member Liz Keating, daughter of the late Bill Keating Jr., presented awards named for her father to young philanthropist Keren Palaparty, a graduate of Kings High School, who earned the Next Gen Award, and Penny Harris, who earned the Educator of Excellence Award. The Roger Grein Legacy Scholarship went to Ella Boerger, a graduate of Fort Loramie High School in Shelby County, Ohio.

 magnifiedgiving.org

Mike McGinty and Julie McGinty

Magnified Giving CEO Kelly Collison welcomes guests.

Snigdha Palaparty; Keren Palaparty, recipient of the Bill Keating Jr. Next Gen Award; and Eugene Palaparty

Magnified Giving board member Anya Sanchez, CEO Kelly Collison and Jon Sanchez

Susan Keller and Patrick Keller, participant in Magnified Giving at Springboro High School

Keynote speaker Kate Schroder, president and CEO of Interact for Health

Penny Harris, recipient of the Bill Keating Jr. Educator of Excellence Award, and Liz Keating, daughter of Bill Keating Jr.

Founder Roger Grein with Ella Boerger, recipient of the Roger Grein Legacy Scholarship

The Magnified Giving team: Becca Freyhof, programs manager; Tyler Rocquemore, advancement manager; Carey Kuznar, VP of advancement; Roger Grein, founder and president; Kelly Collison, chief executive officer; Alison Kaufman, VP of programs; Lindsey Barta, director of communications; and Jessica Robbins, administrative assistant

Talbert House honors community leaders at annual luncheon

Talbert House hosted its 59th annual Luncheon at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati to celebrate the past year’s achievements and to honor those who have helped the community and Talbert House’s mission.

Kathryne Gardette received the Agnes Seasongood Award for her dedication to the Walnut Hills community, advocating for inclusivity and supporting local schools, arts and social services.

Nehemiah Manufacturing Company was honored with the Community Service Award for creating jobs for second-chance citizens and founding the Beacon of Hope Business Alliance.

Neil Tilow, of Parkway 3.0 Consulting and former Talbert House CEO, accepted the Ernest Talbert Award for his leadership in establishing key agencies, serving on boards and leading levy campaigns to support children, adults and families in need.

 talberthouse.org

25 Years in America’s Test Kitchen with Chefs Julia and Bridget

CET and ThinkTV are excited to have the chefs return to our area for events on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 and Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Don’t miss your chance to hear them share kitchen skills, menu inspirations and entertaining conversation as they celebrate 25 Years in America’s Test Kitchen.

For more information and tickets: www.cetconnect.org/atk

Model Group Table

Clark Schaefer Hackett Table

ADP Table

Talbert House honorees

Neil Tilow, Kathryne Gardette and Dan Meyer, CEO of Nehemiah Manufacturing Company

Board chair Denice Hertlein, past board member

Gwen Wilder, President/CEO

Josh Arnold and past board chair Mark Addy

Municipal Court Judge Gwen Bender and board member

Ann Marie Tracey, a former Court of Common Pleas judge and assistant U.S. attorney

Talbert House President/CEO Josh Arnold and Ohio state Sen. Steve Wilson

NKY Chamber celebrates local business leaders

The NKY Chamber celebrated 55 years of strengthening Northern Kentucky’s business community and economy at its annual dinner, presented by Fifth Third Bank, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.

Kyle Inskeep of Local 12 news was emcee for the event, which drew nearly 1,000 top leaders, businesses and entrepreneurs and innovators. The evening also marked the transition for the post of board chair from John Hawkins, president and CEO of MPI Consulting, to Jason Payne, senior vice president and managing director for Republic Bank in the region.

 nkychamber.com

2024 honorees

 Walter R. Dunlevy/Frontiersman Award, sponsored by NKU and the NKU Foundation: Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County judge/ executive and co-owner of Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating and Air

 Walter L. Pieschel MVP Award, sponsored by Humana: Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt , vice president, community relations for Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky

 Northern Kentucky Unity Award, sponsored by PNC Bank: Kentucky state Sen. Chris McDaniel, president, McD Concrete Enterprises

 Inclusive Excellence Award, sponsored by St. Elizabeth Healthcare: Kenneth Webb, vice president, senior regional CRA community development officer for Northern Kentucky and Ohio, Republic Bank

 Devou Cup, presented by Greater Cincinnati Foundation: Suits That Rock

 Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III Northern Kentucky Economic Development Award, presented by BE NKY Growth Partnership: Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

 The Horizon Award, presented by Horizon Community Funds: Tim Hanner, retired founding president/CEO of EducateNKY

Cady Short-Thompson presents Dunlevy Award to Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann.

Incoming board chair



Zach Redman presents Pieschel Award to Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt.

Warren Weber presents Unity Award to Kentucky state Sen. Chris McDaniel.

Suits That Rock receives Devou Cup Award from Sarah Weiss.

Nancy Grayson presents Horizon Award to Tim Hanner and granddaughter.

Jason Payne, incoming board chair, gives remarks.

Jason Payne receives ceremonial gavel from outgoing board chair John Hawkins.

Cocktail reception at the NKY Chamber dinner

Brotherhood Singers perform.

Dave Johnson presents Inclusive Excellence Award to Kenneth Webb.

Lee Crume presents Robinson Award to Candace McGraw.

Brent Cooper gives remarks.

Stowe House marks 75th anniversary, renovation

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Walnut Hills celebrated its 75th anniversary as a museum with an evening of activities. Jazz and light bites in the newly restored 1940s tavern were accompanied by conversations with restoration and historical experts. Guests enjoyed tours, the Edgemont Inn Lager from Esoteric Brewing, 1840s parlor games with “Harriet Beecher Stowe” and a preview of the coming “Women of Beecher Place” tour. The event raised over $8,000 for educational activities.

Harriet Beecher Stowe lived in the house in the 1830s during the formative years that led her to write the best-selling novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” One hundred years later, it was the Edgemont Inn, a boarding house, tavern and gathering space listed in the “Green Book” for Black travelers.

 stowehousecincy.org

Toni Miller, Rosalyn Fuller and Nancy Cavanaugh

Dana Gagnon as Harriet Beecher Stowe and Christina

Susan McKinney and Kathryn Gibbons, former board chairs of the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House, in front of the newly restored Beecher wing staircase

Paul Hawthorne and Co. entertain guests in the restored 1940s Edgemont Inn tavern at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Volunteer Eric Driscoll leads a tour of the architecture, restoration and preservation of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Hartlieb, executive director of Harriet Beecher Stowe House

Vibraphonist

Walnut Hills brewery Esoteric partnered with the Friends of Harriet Beecher Stowe House to create an Edgemont Inn Lager.

OJPC event provides support for legal services

Ohio Justice & Policy Center held its annual fundraising event at Anderson Pavilion, highlighting the 20th anniversary of OJPC’s Second Chance Project. The event’s theme, “Redemption for Ohioans: Clean Slate Ohio,” focused on the prospects for clean-slate legislation in Ohio, which would automate the clearing of eligible criminal records after a specific amount of time.

Sheena Meade, CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, spoke about the importance of this type of legislation, saying that someone’s worst day should not define the rest of their lives.

OJPC recognized Ohio state Rep. William J. Seitz III with the inaugural David A. Singleton Zealous Advocate Award for his work on criminal justice reform.

OJPC is a nonprofit law firm with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus and staff in Cleveland, led by CEO Gabriel Davis.

 ohiojpc.org

and Diane Salvato

staff: (back) Kaleigh Shupp, Annie Shaver, Mark Vander Laan and OJPC founder Alphonse Gerhardstein; (middle) Elijah Hack, Verjine Adanalian, Devin Perry, Sarah Estes, KalliahMarie Newport, Tyra Patterson and OJPC board chair David Zimmerman; (front) Chloe Kilguss, Angela Larsen, Ashley Ward, Gabe Davis, Jeanna Tipton and Matthew Ahn

Ohio state Rep. William J. Seitz III received the David A. Singleton Zealous Advocate Award.

OJPC

Crystal Arnold, OJPC CEO Gabe Davis, Jason Cooper from The Clean Slate Initiative, Iris Roley, OJPC board member Louis Arnold and OJPC founder Alphonse Gerhardstein

Robert Pohowsky, Kim Slaton and Rabbi Abie Ingber

Theresa Harper Kolodzik, Michael Kolodzik, OJPC CEO Gabe Davis

Mimi Gingold, Sandra Small, OJPC founder Alphonse Gerhardstein, Howard Tolley, Nina Tolley and Dot Christenson

OJPC board member Nina Lewis and Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram

OJPC Second Chance director

Verjine Adanalian, Clean Slate Initiative CEO

Sheena Meade, Ohio state Rep. Brett Hillyer, Lamont Sapp and Clean Turn CEO John Rush

Valley Interfaith raises over $617K

Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center honored philanthropic leaders in the community and raised over $617,000 at its second Planting Seeds Awards Dinner. Over 300 guests attended.

Since 1962, tens of thousands of people experiencing poverty cycles have been served by Valley Interfaith. With the recent increase in need, VICRC has set out on a $3.1 million campaign to lift up those experiencing extreme poverty and food insecurity.

The event celebrated charitable leaders who help make local communities better. Award recipients were: Rhonda Sheakley and Larry Sheakley; Michael Fancher, former Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil; Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus; Marvin Butts and Tabatha Anderson; Dr. John Bacon and Dr. Karin Wetzler; Pamela Kaufman, Antonio Spicer and Bruce Gibson.

Oscar-nominated actress Mary Badham, who played Scout in the original movie “To Kill A Mockingbird,” served as the featured speaker.  vicrc.org

$324,000+

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting children, teens, & adults with disabilities as they Bloom at Stepping Stones!

For more details on Bloom & a complete list of sponsors visit: CincyBloom.org

Presenting Sponsor: Roto-Rooter

Diamonds Are Forever Sponsors: Jeanne & Bob Coughlin

The Rendigs Foundation

Mendy & Dr. Andrew Ringer

Casino Royale Sponsors: The Pettengill Family

Towne Properties/ Susie & Neil Bortz

GoldenEye Sponsors:

Brendamour Warehousing/ Beth & Doug Brendamour

Thunderball Sponsors: Anonymous

Contemporary Cabinetry East

Kim & Kelly Conway

Terri Seurkamp Hogan

McCloy Family Foundation/ EmpowerMe Living

Barb & Mike Ricke

Anne & Jim Shanahan

TruCraft Roofing

Skyfall Sponsors: Carlisle & Finch Co.

Centerbank

Judy & John Fahrmeier

MarketVision Research

Richards Industrials

SugarCreek/Julie & John Richardson

Stepping Stones, Inc. | SteppingStonesOhio.org | 513.831.4660

Rhonda Sheakley and Larry Sheakley –Planting Seeds Awards Philanthropists of the Year

CEO John Keuffer speaks on the vision of Valley Interfaith.

Mary Badham, Oscarnominated actress from the movie “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Life Learning Center gala raises $429K

The Life Learning Center welcomed more than 350 guests to its 10th annual High Stakes Gala at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Florence, raising $429,000. The attendance and donations set a record for the organization.

LLC’s mission is to reduce recidivism and build a healthier workforce by helping individuals overcome poverty, unemployment, incarceration and substance use disorder. LLC empowers individuals with life skills, career readiness and placement, and resources such as food, clothing and transportation.

The event honored Paul Hemmer and Mary Hemmer for their contributions to the community and illuminated the journey of Lucy Eades, an LLC success story.

Event sponsors included Amazon, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Frances & Craig Lindner and First Financial Bank.

 lifelearningcenter.us

Auctioneer David Wallace gets the Paddle Raise going.

Event emcee Evan Millward engages the crowd before the live auction.

Event emcee Evan Millward asks Charlie Suits Big Band to provide a drumroll before announcing fundraising totals.

Introduction performance by Pones Inc.

Mary Hemmer and Paul Hemmer enjoy programming and entertainment in their honor.

Honorees Mary Hemmer and Paul Hemmer

A tribute to graduate spotlight Lucy Eades.

The Right Reverend John C. Iffert, bishop of the Diocese of Covington, delivers the invocation.

President and CEO Alecia Webb-Edgington speaks on the power of a new beginning.

Board chairman William P. Butler gives an overview of LLC’s strategic initiatives.

Dragonfly golf outing scores $75K

The Dragonfly Foundation raised over $75,000 at its 14th annual Golf Classic at Heritage Club in Mason. This year, 112 players participated. Their support and sponsors’ donations will help patients, siblings and caregivers navigate cancer treatment.

Scott Sloan of 700 WLW emceed the event. After a competitive day of play, Dana Moody, Ron Negray, Jerry Schott and Gary Vosick from Trinity Debt Management (Strength Sponsor) took home the win. Second place was a team from Titan Siding and Roofing (Presenting Sponsor), featuring Mark Goins, Charles Page, Jeffrey Parnell and Randy Wolf.

 dragonfly.org

Second place group Jeffrey Parnell, Mark Goins, Randy Wolf and Charles Page with Dragonfly Noah Hinds

OneSource Center is the go-to resource hub for local nonprofits, supporting organizations at every stage—from startups to wellestablished agencies. As a community connector, we serve over 350 Greater Cincinnati nonprofits, saving them more than $1.16 million annually. No matter where a nonprofit is on its journey, OneSource is here to help.

This impact wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sustaining sponsors. Thank you!

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

2024 Bronze Sponsors

First place group Gary Vosick, Jerry Schott, Ron Negray and Dana Moody with Dragonfly Noah Hinds

Chelsea Eifert and Scott Sloan

Christine Neitzke

Brews for Brains taps funds for dementia patients, families

The Cincy Brews for Brains event raised $26,830 to support older adults living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers.

More than 140 people attended the Giving Voice Foundation’s fundraiser at Braxton Brewing in Covington. Guests sipped on a six-beer tasting, dinner by-the-bite, a hot pretzel bar and Dojo Gelato for dessert.

More than 151,000 older adults in Greater Cincinnati are affected by this diagnosis, and every dollar donated helps provide no-cost support for these families. Giving Voice Foundation facilitates conversations and connections to improve the health of older adults through advocacy, education, engagement and storytelling.

 givingvoicefdn.org

Catherine Gausvik, Jeff Fischer, Tyler Gausvik, Brendan Gausvik, Christian Gausvik and Cody Gausvik in the photo booth

Mike Willing, Jacob Murphy, Jay Takach, Matt Caiati and Trey Greene

Logan Brown and Olivia Smith

(Back) COO Mike Gelfgot and CEO John Spence of Activate Brain & Body; (front) Anna Tobillo and Paul Tobillo, owners of Amada Senior Care

Molly Radcliff, Rachel Tomsic, Lynn Swartz, Jessica Toedtman, Sarah Rhodes and Heather Rutz

Mikhayla HughesShaw, host of WCPO’s “Cincy Lifestyle” show, and Brittany Allison

Angela Onyekanne, Jeanie Bryant and Jude Jones

Gina Maccarone, Christian Gausvik, Zulf Sharif and Cody Gausvik

Kristin Cooley, Angie Vaughan and Tom Vaughan

Shannon Braun, Cody Gausvik, Christian Gausvik, Aaron Stapleton and Kristin Cooley

CAA celebrates 60 years of service

The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency marked 60 years of service with an anniversary gala at Music Hall. The agency was founded by Cincinnati’s first Black mayor, Theodore M. Berry. More than 400 guests gathered to celebrate. Local elected leaders officially proclaimed Community Action Day across the city, county and state.

CAA recognized award winners Courtis Fuller, Damon Frost, Mark Curnutte, Domonique Davis and Chanta Walker. Presenting sponsor Fifth Third Bank and other donors raised $21,563 for the newly formed Theodore M. Berry Community Fund. The fund will fuel CAA’s mission to change lives from cradle to career.

 cincy-caa.org

SATURDAY 6:30PM CET

SUNDAY 8:30PM CET ARTS

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

Vice Mayor Jan-Michelle Kearney, Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram, state Rep. Sedrick Denson, Hamilton County Commissioners Denise Driehaus and Alicia Reece, and emcee Courtis Fuller

Bridge Builder Award winners Domonique Davis and Chanta Walker

Courtis Fuller, 2024 Theodore M. Berry Founder’s Award winner

Courtis Fuller presents the David Crowley Board Award to Damon Frost, CAA board chair.

CAA President and CEO Mark B. Lawson shares the history of CAA in Cincinnati and the vision for CAA’s future.

Sherry Childers, CAA’s Head Start STEPS coordinator, with Bridge Builder Award winner Mark Curnutte

Members of Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

DPCR golf outing attracts record number of participants

The remnants of Hurricane Helene brought intermittent rain but couldn’t wash away the enthusiasm of the golfers and sponsors who participated in the 13th annual DePaul Cristo Rey Golf Classic. It was DPCR’s largest golf outing to date, bringing 136 golfers to the Western Hills Country Club.

Longtime school supporters Bart Kohler and Bill McCloy chaired this year’s event. Cintas was the presenting sponsor. A group of dedicated volunteers, assisted by DPCR students, also helped make the event a success. All of the day’s proceeds are earmarked for the school’s tuition assistance fund.

DePaul Cristo Rey is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school with a mission to educate young people who have the potential but limited financial means to go to college.

 depaulcristorey.org

Welcome House

CEO honored

for innovation in affordable housing

Danielle (Daney) Amrine, CEO of Welcome House, received the Lynn Luallen Innovation Award from the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC). The statewide award honors an individual whose innovation is advancing and shaping the affordable housing landscape in Kentucky. Amrine was chosen for her “dogged approach to ending homelessness across Kentucky.” KHC said her “visionary leadership coupled with expert organizational capacity building” has, in just four years, resulted in Welcome House moving from serving only Northern Kentucky to providing life-saving street outreach, permanent housing and holistic homeless solutions in six regions across the state representing 50-plus counties.

Over the past four years, Welcome House has nearly tripled its operating budget, received $1 million from the prestigious Bezos Day 1 Families Fund and secured $7.5 million in special HUD funding – 66% of the entire state’s award – to address homelessness in rural communities.

 welcomehouseky.org

Lynn Luallen, former executive director of Kentucky Housing Corporation; Kenzie Strubank, KHC assistant director of homeless programs; and Welcome House CEO Danielle Amrine

The winning women’s team: Elizabeth McLaughlin, Michelle Keating, Susie Lame and Betsy Coith

On the course: DPCR board members

Ed Stenger and George Yund; Gary Gruber; and board member Jack Kortekamp

Chairs Bart Kohler (left) and Bill McCloy (right) with DPCR President & CEO Siobhan Taylor

Representing sponsor Omnia360: Justin Vandemark, Clayton Pauley, Dave Johnson and Adam Heaton

The men’s winning team: Steve Langenkamp, Mike Schuster and Steve Siebert with DPCR President & CEO Siobhan Taylor (second from right)

Altafiber, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful workers help out in South Avondale

Volunteers from altafiber worked alongside Keep Cincinnati Beautiful board members, staff and city officials in South Avondale for their Day in the Community effort. Keep Cincinnati Beautiful has worked on neighborhood transformation projects for years with altafiber, most recently in East Price Hill.

 keepcincinnatibeautiful.org

New

mural graces NKY Convention Center

Noted American muralist Maya Hayuk completed a new mural, “Kentucky Gateway,” on the west side of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. The artist also spoke about her creative journey and took questions at The Carnegie in Covington. Hayuk’s murals can be found across the globe, including New York’s Bowery Wall, transforming public spaces with dynamic energy and immersive visual experience. Hayuk and her team donated leftover supplies from the mural project to Art Equals, a nonprofit.

The project was funded by meetNKY with support from ArtsWave, along with curation by consulting agency BLDG.

 meetnky.com

Stephanie Baron, Greg Wheeler and Jessica Kathman of altafiber

Leigh Fox, CEO of altafiber, addresses volunteers in South Avondale.

Patrick Cartier, director of operations and community engagement for Avondale Development Corporatio, with Leigh Fox, CEO of altafiber

Jim Verst of altafiber and a team of employees build a stage as part of Day in the Community.

Arun Gunda of altafiber works at a South Avondale home during Day in the Community.

A team of altafiber employees plants trees at South Avondale Elementary School.

Maya Hayuk and Rachael Parker Close, director of Northern Kentucky creative placemaking for ArtsWave



“Kentucky Gateway” by Maya Hayuk

669 riders raise funds for cancer research

At the 18th annual Ride Cincinnati, 669 cyclists rose early to take on routes anywhere from 10 miles to 100K (62 miles), raising money for life-saving cancer research and care.

Each wave was kicked off by JonJon from Kiss107. Riders were welcomed back to Sawyer Point for a large after-party with food from local vendors, drinks, photo ops, a banner to share their “Why I Ride” story and more. The night before, riders gathered at The Phelps in downtown Cincinnati to kick off the weekend. Chris Jacobs from WLWT served as emcee and led the party.

 ridecincinnati.org

Nuxhall Miracle League travels to Pittsburgh

for Miracle Series

Forty athletes with disabilities from the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields traveled to the Miracle Series in Pittsburgh. The Miracle Series gives athletes with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to showcase their skills and experience while promoting inclusivity in baseball.

Former Cincinnati Red Sean Casey hosted the teams at his Miracle League of the South Hills, where athletes were welcomed by thousands of Pittsburgh residents.

 nuxhallmiracleleague.org/miracleseries

Shirley Korth, Allison Gordon, Gene Korth, Jon Curl, Harvey Harris and Terry Weiner

Ride Cincinnati participants

Varma Siravuri and John F. Barrett

Elaina Mears, Andrea Joselit, Gregg Harris, Allison Gordon and Lauren Harris

Jon Curl and University of Cincinnati cheerleaders

Joey The Can-Do Kangaroo with JNMLF board member Chad Caddell and his wife, Tara Caddell.

All-Star Grace Edwards celebrates after a single with Tyler Bradshaw, Nuxhall Foundation executive director.

All-Star Brennen Zboril pumps up the crowd.

All-Star Allie Gruenschlaeger is welcomed off the bus.

All-Star Alex Heflin rounds third and heads for home.

M&M Mix & Mingle at Ballet Center

In honor of our focus on the performing arts for September, Movers & Makers called on Cincinnati Ballet to host its September Mix & Mingle at the still-new Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance on Gilbert Avenue. The facility was humming with activity, ranging from very young student dancers at arrival to a later DANCEFIX class led by Heather Britt. Thanks to Chuck Beatty and fellow Ballet staff for hosting what was our largest happy hour crowd yet.

 moversmakers.org, cincinnatiballet.org

Megan Mitchell, Elizabeth Mariner of M&M and Chris Owens

Janet Jansen, Mathew Swanson and Garrett Parsons

Debbie Rutledge, Marcie Kinney and Jim Kinney

Helene Herbert and LeAnne Anklan

Julie Shifman

Tephra Fields and Nadya Ellerhorst

Ann VanMatre and Carole Winters Nick Francis and Marina Abanto

Katie Hartman and Charmaine Kitsinis

Katie Siegwarth and Natalie Moo Young

Katie Siegwarth and Michael Coppage

Ciera George

Warren High and Cate O’Hara

Taylor Howard, Lilly Hinckley, Emily Akil, Carissa Barnard

Maria Dehne, Annie Foley and Emily Foley

RSVP for Nov. 13 Mix & Mingle

The enriching pleasure of sharing books, movies, music and opinions

Ioftengo see movies in the the-

ater with a (loosely) organized group of people. A movie is chosen every week, usually something outside of the Hollywood mainstream at The Esquire or Mariemont. I make my choice not on the movie but whether I can go. I hadn’t read anything ahead about “I Saw the TV Glow.” I thought it was baffling and a bit tedious though mesmerizing in parts.

Afterwards, having drinks and talking it over, another member of the group was so enthusiastic about how moving he thought it was as a story about transsexual teenagers. Oh. Well, I hadn’t realized that through the whole movie. Now I got it, and I was even in retrospect moved by it.

That is why I like sharing artistic experiences with other people. Maybe it’s just that my friend had read the reviews, but that

experience illustrated to me how much more a movie can mean when you discuss it. Routinely, people in the group find they like a film more than they thought after hearing someone else’s opinion. I didn’t think “The Banshees of Inisherin” was about the Irish Civil War, but someone else saw it that way and it added to the complexity of my thoughts about a rather mysterious (and blackly hilarious) movie.

We each read differently

I’m also in a book club and at times several book clubs. Once a month, my husband goes to a vinyl night he put together. It is not only a very convenient way to see people without having to organize it every time, it is enriching to my life: both the regular socializing and the opportunity to talk about

something as complex and beautiful as a good book.

Our book club has been meeting since 2007 and we have read about 150 books together. One meeting when we realized we had all pulled up in Priuses, I wondered if perhaps we were too thin a demographic slice. But even though we are socioeconomically and racially similar, we each read differently. Some think about language and style. There’s a former English teacher who’s good with metaphors and foreshadowings. Others think about the author and the background, others will find specific turns of phrases they like or come up with plausible explanatory theories. I often barrel through books, and so I actually often learn something I completely missed on my read-through. And we pick different kinds of books – from current critics’ picks to classics to our individual old favorites.

In the movie group, some people know a lot about film and directors and actors; others just take it in, reacting to the plot and the characters. A few really understand the language of film. One person only likes dark movies, others don’t want to be baffled. I love movies that make me cry, and I dislike animated movies and magical realism. People have different cultural backgrounds, too.

My husband gets together once a month with a bunch of vinyl nerds, I mean enthusiasts, who share music from their album collections. He says it’s about introducing music you love to friends and showing off your rarities. I used to go, but I kicked myself out because I had a little too much to drink once and told someone their music was pretentious and everyone knew it was terrible.

Big faux pas.

While groups like these are about sharing opinions, they should never be about insulting someone else’s opinion. It’s not to decide which album/book/movie

Polly Campbell

is better or crown a certain kind of taste. It’s to learn from each other and amplify your understanding.

Figure out the author’s vision

I do have strong opinions: People often make the mistake of talking about a book or movie as if it were real; and they care too much about whether they like the characters or whether they approve of how the characters act. Characters in a book are actually only black marks on a white page, and no one does anything that the author (or the team that makes a movie) didn’t make them do.

Don’t decide you just don’t like Captain Ahab or that Holden Caulfield is a whiner, or you think Bridget Jones makes bad choices and you just can’t identify with any of the characters in “The Godfather,” just see what happens. Let it sit, let it resonate, try to figure out if the author thinks Holden is a whiner, or if that’s just you. It’s all there on purpose, the characters are tools of the author’s vision. Be open.

Also, I like having other people pick things. I’ve read books and seen films I otherwise would not have. I know of book clubs where there are great arguments over what to read. I say just go with someone else’s choice. You’ll experience something new. Maybe someday there will be a magic realist novel I will like or a cartoon that makes me cry. And it’s really fun when there’s a terrible pick. You can all sit around drinking wine and talk about how bad it was. 

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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