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WINDRIDGE ESTATES IN MADEIRA
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HYDE PARK LUXURY TOWN HOMES
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Informed. Inspired. Involved.
Movers &Makers
September 2024
Publisher’s Letter 4
Arts & Culture 6
MoversMakers.org
Manifest publishes annuals of drawing and painting 6
Freedom Center wins regional Emmy 6
New book argues ‘The Case for Cities’ 6
Local artists featured in FotoFocus 8
The A&C List 11
The Datebook 19
Social calendar with a spotlight on the movers and makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s fundraisers, friend-raisers and community events
FOCUS ON: Theater 25
Local directors: The state of theater | By David Lyman 25
Notables in theater production 28
Nonprofit News 32
Names in the News 34
AFP announces National Philanthropy honorees 35
Gifts & Grants 31
Snapshots 37
Opera season closes with ‘To Sir, With Love’ 37
Observatory exhibit celebrates women in astronomy 39
Ninth annual Cincinnatus Spencer Awards 40
Dragonfly expands, opening new facility 43
Longworth-Anderson hosts two concerts 44
Renowned coaches boost Cornette Foundation 44
Emerging NKY Young Professionals 45
Point/Arc attracts record participants for golf outing 45
Better Together conference serves teen girls 46
Point/Arc kicks off $10M campaign 46
Main Street Ventures savors 25 years of empowerment 47
Fundraising in the form of golf, horses and cars 48
SnapShot briefs: Art for kids, Zoo job fair, TQL pet adoption, Reds fans donate food, Bethany House cookout 49
The Last Word 50
Polly Campbell: A cross-country train of thought
and energetic...powerful and focused” “…a silky tone and beautiful, supple lines”
• One of the most sought-after violists of her generation, appearing internationally as a soloist
• Her numerous awards include First Prize of the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition and top prizes at the Sphinx Competition and the Tokyo International Viola Competition
• Founding violist of the award-winning Dover Quartet
Atfirst glance, live theater is the most accessible of all art forms – typically communicated through our native language and requiring little-to-no prior knowledge to absorb quickly. On the other hand, this means live drama has to compete with the vast array of pre-recorded theatrical entertainment offered in cinemas and via television and streaming. As they continue to recover from the pandemic, how are local theaters faring in bringing back audiences and how have things changed?
David Lyman sat down (at our dining room table, in fact) with the artistic directors of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Ensemble Theatre, Know Theatre and Playhouse in the Park to assess the state of local theater. See Page 25. While actors are the visible product of theater, it takes a deep roster behind the scenes to make what happens onstage even possible, let alone compelling. We asked local theaters to spotlight one of their backstage Notables and you can
meet them on Page 28.
The FotoFocus Biennial returns this fall, engulfing our region in photographic creativity. From Union, Kentucky, to Kenyon College in north central Ohio, more than 100 exhibits showcase the FotoFocus theme: “backstories.”
Meet a selection of local, lens-based artists and see examples of their work on Page 8. Visit our Visual Art listings on Page 16 for Greater Cincinnati FotoFocus exhibits (and even more beyond the beltway on our website).
Polly Campbell has returned from a brief hiatus, which included a contemplative, cross-country train excursion that helped her process a recent loss and became the impetus of this month’s Last Word. See Page 50 to find out how.
September marks the beginning of the busiest three months of the fundraising year. There are 116 events in our online Datebook between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. We hope you’ll choose at least one organization to support financially during this time. Every amount helps nonprofits do the work of making Cincinnati a better place to live your life.
If you would like to help us continue and expand our work as the public voice of regional nonprofits, please donate $25 to help us mail your copy (scan QR code at left).
We thank you for bringing M&M into your life.
Thom & Elizabeth Mariner, co-publishers
Casual opportunity to make new friends or business contacts. Mingle with Notables, nonprofit staff and supporters and fellow M&M readers. Light bites & happy hour-priced beverages.
Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers; Doug Bolton, board chair
Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org
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For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:
• Casey Weldon, associate editor
• Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors
• Shasta Taber, volunteer proofreader
• All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos.
Arts coverage supported by:
Publishing schedule
for
and
but are not responsible for incorrect information or misidentified photos provided to us.
Readers are advised to confirm event dates and other important details and check for last-minute changes with the organizations or advertisers involved.
Publication of this magazine and its website (MoversMakers.org) does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of any information contained within, including advertisements and links.
Movers & Makers Publishing is a nonprofit with
Arts & Culture
Manifest Press releases new drawing and painting annuals
Manifest Press, a division of Cincinnati’s Manifest Gallery, has published two new books based on several thousand artist submissions from around the world.
The publications are juried compilations from Manifest’s two calls to artists for contemporary art – the International Drawing Annual (INDA) and International Painting Annual (INPA):
INDA 15 includes 132 drawn works by 80 artists from 30 states and eight countries, including the United States. The exhibit, which received 1,386 submissions, was juried by eight professional and academic advisers in the fields of art, design and art history.
INPA 10, representing works in paint made from 2018 through mid-2020, includes 120 works by 59 artists from 34 states and four countries, including the U.S. Fifteen volunteer advisers in art, design, criticism and art history juried this exhibit, which received 1,519 submissions from 351 artists.
Manifest Gallery’s mission is to serve as a venue for “insightful, thought-provoking art and design,” and to be a hub for creative research and innovation in the arts.
Both publications, available in hardcover at $45 each, are available online, and proceeds benefit Manifest’s nonprofit educational programming and future publications.
manifestpress.org
Freedom Center wins regional Emmy for docuseries on Underground Railroad
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center was honored with an Emmy Award for its four-part docuseries “Black History Honors The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.”
Produced by Central City Productions and the Stellar Network, and directed by Alphonzo “Zo” Wesson III, the series took top honors in the Entertainment – Short or Long Form Content category at the 60th Annual Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards.
The program celebrates the lives and legacies of Underground Railroad freedom activists, including well-known leaders Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth as
New Cincinnati-based book argues ‘The Case for Cities’
“The Case for Cities,” a new book co-written by a group of urban scholars from the University of Cincinnati and elsewhere, outlines the prospects for cities serving as “centers of revival” in American life.
Published by Routledge this summer, the book argues that the nation’s legacy cities, such as Cincinnati, are not the cause of America’s social, environmental, economic and health problems – as has been the public perception in recent years – but can be the places where solutions to those problems will be found.
Drawing on the expertise of contributors from the academic, professional and civic sectors, the book explores “the creative tension between two values on which the vigor of cities depend” – being “Cities of
Choice” (places where people who have a choice want to live) and “Cities of Justice” (places that welcome and support people with limited choices).
“‘The Case for Cities’ is a case for realistic optimism,” said former Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, dean of the College of Law at Cleveland State University. Edited by Vikas Mehta, Danilo Palazzo, Conrad Kickert, Christopher Auffrey and Terry Grundy, the book project began with an online “conversation series” (www.thecaseforcities.org) hosted by the Mercantile Library. The book, which distills key lessons from the conversations, contains 38 chapters with essays and studies on various aspects of the main theme.
routledge.com/The-Case-for-Cities
well as lesser-known figures, such as Jermain Wesley Loguen, Henry “Box” Brown, Robert Smalls and William Still. Prominent local figures John Parker, John and Jean Rankin, and Margaret Garner also are featured in the program.
Filmed entirely at the Freedom Center, the program also featured some staff members portraying the historic freedom activists.
“I was committed not just to doing a Black history special, but to do it here where we can showcase that Black history and Black museums matter,” said Don Jackson, chairman and CEO of Central City Productions and founder and chairman of the Stellar Network.
freedomcenter.org
“Black History Honors The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center” docuseries promotional image
Cover of INPA 10
INDA 15. Both books are hardcover.
FIVE FOR 95 — OUR 95 TH SEASON
Takács Quartet
“… one of the “ten greatest string quartet ensembles of all time.” —BBC
“One of the world’s greatest string quartets …” —New York Times
Beethoven • Haydn • Janáček
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 • 7:30 p.m. • Memorial Hall
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello
Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano
“… the sort of lofty emotional peak you’d have expected from a du Pré or a Navarra.” —Gramophone
“Isata Kanneh-Mason is a born musician with a virtuoso technique.” —Gramophone
Mendelssohn • Fauré • 2 North American Premieres
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 • 7:30 p.m. • Memorial Hall
Jerusalem Quartet
“Their playing has everything you could possibly wish for.” —BBC Music Magazine
Haydn • Shostakovich • Mozart
Thursday, May 1, 2025 • 7:30 p.m. • Memorial Hall
Cuarteto Casals
“No other quartet can match this group’s four-voiced marriage …” —The Independent (London)
“There’s something so immediate about the superb Casals Quartet’s playing …” —Gramophone
Mozart • Beethoven • Shostakovich
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 • 7:30 p.m. • Memorial Hall
Isidore Quartet and Jeremy Denk, piano
“The commitment and artistry of this young quartet were wonderful to hear.” —The Strad
“A pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs.” —New York Times
Brahms • Haydn • Childs
Thursday, March 6, 2025 • 7:30 p.m. • Memorial Hall
Single Tickets: $40
Five-concert subscriptions: $125 (40% off) with code: MM2024
CincyChamber.org or call Memorial Hall at 513-977-8838.
Students under 18 admitted free, 18 and over $10, if available, on the day of performance.
FotoFocus 2024 fills in the blanks with backstories-themed biennial
FotoFocus,the largest event of its kind
in the United States, returns this fall to Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton, Columbus and beyond. The FotoFocus Biennial, which celebrates photography and lens-based art, expands to 108 projects at 87 venues, including 16 first-time presenters, making this the largest program in event history.
Exhibits will launch through September and October, anchored by an opening symposium Sept. 26-28, featuring keynote lectures, conversations, performances, screenings, tours and receptions designed to inspire conversations about the state of the world via photography, film and lens-based art.
All programming for this year’s biennial has been developed with and overseen by the
FotoFocus creative team: Katherine Ryckman Siegwarth, executive director; Kevin Moore, artistic director and curator; and Carissa Barnard, director of curatorial strategy.
According to FotoFocus, “the theme of this year’s biennial is ‘backstories,’ referring to past experiences that may have happened out of view or gone unnoticed – histories untold or that have lacked perspective. These stories fill in blanks and reclaim narratives – whether personal, historical or political – providing essential context for art and images.”
“Now in its seventh edition, the Biennial continues to emphasize the importance of the photographic medium in promoting critical dialogue,” Moore said. “Photography has the power to enrich our understanding of the world and
these diverse projects use the medium to reveal untold stories, reclaim misinterpreted narratives, and bring us together through storytelling.”
This year’s biennial presents 15 featured projects, including an international touring retrospective, a multi-venue celebration of an artist featuring a new commission, rare and never-before-seen photographic works, new research and insight to expand understandings of artists, and a call-for-entry selection category, along with a wide range of original exhibitions, events and projects.
Following is a sampling of local photographers whose work is part of FotoFocus 2024.
fotofocus.org
Joshua Berg and Mark Albain: “Digressions”
SITE 1212, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Sept. 27-Oct. 25
Artists and photographers Joshua Berg and Mark Albain both call the Midwest home. “Digressions” weaves through an unspecified space that unfolds through relationships and histories. Anchored in the liminal, the exhibition and corresponding book are structured around recorded conversations between the two artists, as well as friends, family and colleagues. They open up a shoebox of images and recount those moments, placing them within a larger context.
Change and transformation thread the narrative, exploring the boundaries of experience in the Midwest. This loose framework provides an elusive sensation, the closest way to articulate the unspecific feeling of the immediate.
Rachael Banks: “The Trail of the Dead” Weston Art Gallery, Aronoff Center, Sept. 20-Nov. 3
“The Trail of the Dead” is a visual anthology of life and death in central Kentucky. Photographic imagery and archived media present the intertwined storylines of a family and whitetail deer with shared experiences of trauma, and the landscape understood as home. “The Trail of the Dead” embraces the backstories theme with reliance on visual metaphor. The deer references Banks’ home and family folklore regarding deer as positive omens. The exhibition invites viewers to consider their family history and connection to home and the impact of those who came before them on who they are today.
Joshua Berg
Mark alBain
rachael Banks
Madeleine Hordinski: “The Lore of the Pawpaw” Lloyd Library and Museum, Sept. 27-Nov. 22
“The Lore of the Pawpaw,” a photo essay, examines the history and fascination behind Ohio’s state fruit. The essay looks at one of the earliest and largest pawpaw farms in Ohio, growing on researcher Ron Powell’s farm in Adams County. Included in the exhibition is a selection of Kodak slides of Powell’s trees from his archives. The photo essay also features photographs from the Ohio Pawpaw Festival in Athens, Ohio – the largest celebration of pawpaws in the world, capturing the culture surrounding the fruit.
Jesse Ly: “Memory Fields”
Weston Art Gallery, Aronoff Center, Sept. 20-Nov. 3
Jesse Ly’s practice navigates identity structures through representation and comprehension by considering the transitional qualities of existence found within imagery and their adornments. This is done using processes of sculpture, bookmaking and writing to inform and expand imagery. The photographic piece “what does the willow bring?” directly correlates to a lineage of understanding and ethereal concern. Their late father understood the presence of a willow tree to attract spirits of those who have passed. Now the daunting presence of a strong willow cannot be removed from this context for them. They make them wonder if he is present.
Madeleine hordinski
Jesse ly
FEATURING JIM WAGNER 9/21/24
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.
The Art of
INSPIRING AND ARTISTIC SHOW
Melissa Sanders unique approach to Abstract Impressionism tells a personal story and is a poetry journey experience with each layer of paint.
SHOW RUNS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2024
Jim Wagner postmodern expressionism showcasing society, nature, and politics all with a hint of silliness.
Deepa Agarwal an intriguing collection depicting the beauty of life, human bonds, and the journey of land and Sea.
Sept. 25-Oct. 19
The solo exhibition “Illumination” features new works within the underwater photography series by Tina Gutierrez. The artist encourages dancers to surrender to the embrace of the water instead of the forces of gravity. The exhibition highlights the talents of the dancers while giving context to the undercurrents of dance culture. These moments can only be seen from beneath the water and are so transient that only the rapid capture of the camera can preserve them. The beauty in the subjects’ movement and their ability to overcome the challenges that the water presents can be attributed to their rigorous training and dance culture.
Michael Coppage: “Humphrey Gets His Flowers” SITE 1212, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Sept. 27-Oct. 25
“Humphrey Gets His Flowers” is a combination of archival video, large-scale projection, mixed media collages and photography. Coppage’s art is often about the frameworks of racism – how they operate and their impact on the self, society and contemporary life. He explains, “This particular work is about the fragility of youth and the creation of an imaginary friend who protected me by helping me unburden myself from external pressures I had somehow internalized. Humphrey became the embodiment of how I felt I was perceived during my formative years. As a form of protection for myself, I personified the monster ‘they’ made me feel like. I thought if I became the monster it would give me back control of my own personal narrative.”
Asa Featherstone IV: “Another First Impression” SITE 1212, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Sept. 27-Oct. 25
“Another First Impression” brings to light often-overlooked stories from communities of color in the Midwest and Rust Belt. This exhibition challenges assumptions shaped by limited exposure and extends a welcome mat to connect with familiar and new communities through the eyes of their residents.
Many Black and Brown folks have little record of their history – and therefore their power – where most of it is collected through oral documentation and stories. “Another First Impression” is the companion piece to MIDTONES, a creative platform that produces annual programs supporting Black and Brown visual artists in the Midwest.
Gee Horton: “Chapter 2, A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child” Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Sept. 7-Nov. 2
“Chapter 2: A Subtle Farewell to the Inner Child” by Gee Horton explores the complexities of the inner child through personal and collective narratives. Inspired by a transformative pilgrimage to Senegal, the exhibition begins with a “spiritual cowrie shell reading” that leads Horton to confront childhood traumas and seek healing. Featuring photography, collage, mixed media and cyanotypes, Horton’s work delves into memory and identity. The cyanotypes, with their evocative blue tones, symbolize nostalgia and the act of preserving moments. The exhibition also chronicles the parallel journeys of six middle-aged African American men, highlighting themes of resilience, renewal and the exploration of identity.
Tina Gutierrez: “Illumination”
Eisele Gallery of Fine Art,
Tina guTierrez asa FeaThersTone iV
Michael coppage
gee horTon
Cultural Exhibits/Tours
American Legacy Tours | Over-the-Rhine. 859-951-8560. americanlegacytours.com
Historic tours
American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. 513-541-6366. americansignmuseum.org
Permanent collection
Archaeological Research Institute | Lawrenceburg. 812-290-2966. exploreari.org
Hands-on educational experiences
ArtWorks Mural Tours | artworkscincinnati.org
Walking tours of Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine and downtown
Behringer-Crawford Museum | Devou Park, Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org
Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky
Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | Over-the-Rhine. 513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org
Queen City’s beverage history
Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | Brady Center, The Banks. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org
Honors pioneers of R&B, blues, etc.
Cincinnati Fire Museum | Downtown. 513-621-5553. cincyfiremuseum.com
Avondale Film Festival | Holloman Center for Social Justice, Avondale. growavondale.org/avondale-film-festival
Sept. 14, noon. Original works by regional filmmakers
Cincinnati Ballet opens its season with cuttingedge dance via its always-popular New Works series at the Aronoff Center’s JarsonKaplan Theater, Sept. 6-15
Cindependent Film Fest | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 214-843-6781. cindependentfilmfest.org
Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. American Roots: Songs of the Underground Railroad. Ann Hagedorn, historian and author; Victoria Ellington, soprano; Summermusik String Quartet. Reception: 6:30 p.m. (Freedom Center, The Banks)
Violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt makes the first of two autumn stops in the Queen City, this one a solo performance for Matinée Musicale at Memorial Hall Sept. 15
Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org
Sept. 12, 7 p.m. The Diary of Black Men
Sept. 13, 8 p.m. Esperanza Spalding
Sept. 24, 8 p.m. Extreme
Sept. 25, 8 p.m. Burton Cummings
Talk Low Music Festival | talklowfest.cargo.site
Sept, 24, 8 p.m. claire rousay, Public Speaking, Mary Henry (DSGN CLLCTV)
Sept. 13-28. Bess Wohl : “Camp Siegfried,” regional premiere
Lebanon Theatre Company | Lebanon. 513-932-8300. ltcplays.com
Thru Sept. 8. “Unnecessary Farce”
Choose as few as
Don’t miss the shows you want to see. Here’s a peek at what’s in store:
The iconic thriller DIAL M FOR MURDER; a heartfelt solo performance in MR. PARENT; the world premiere of RUTKA, a powerful indie-rock musical; two Pulitzer Prize-winning plays – PRIMARY TRUST and ENGLISH; the return of two comedy favorites – THE SECOND CITY and THE BOOK CLUB PLAY; the charming BIRTHDAY CANDLES; plus, the holiday favorite A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Sept. 24-Oct. 15 FF Prince Lang: “Person, Place, Thing”
Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton. 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org
Thru Sept. 20. Kathy Salchow: “Made With Less” • Michael Roller: “Connections”
Sept. 27-Oct. 25 FF “Generations”
Contemporary Arts Center | Fountain District, downtown. 513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org
Thru Sept. 1. Adoria Maxberry: “Revolutionary Recipes: The Flavors of a Black Woman Amplified” The upcoming FotoFocus retrospective of photography by Ansel Adams at the Cincinnati Art Museum is said to provide “unprecedented insight” into his early career.
Contemporary Arts Center (cont.)
Thru Sept. 8. Jayson Musson: “His History of Art” • Felix Gonzalez-Torres: “‘Untitled’ (L.A.)”
• “Cultural Exchange: Who is American Today?” (Reed Gallery)
Sept. 22-Nov. 27 FF “Cultural Exchange: What Remains: A Contemporary Interpretation of Native American Earthworks in The Ohio Valley” (Meyers Gallery)
The FotoFocus Biennial is a month-long celebration of photography and lens-based art held in October every two years—the largest of its kind in America. Now in its seventh iteration, the Biennial encompasses more than 100 projects at Participating Venues across Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky. Visit FotoFocus.org/Biennial to learn more.
CONNECT WITH US FOTOFOCUS.ORG
@FotoFocusCincinnati #FotoFocus2024 #backstories
Jesse Ly, what does the willow bring?, 2021. Archival inkjet print with hand-cut embedded mat, 30 × 24 inches. Courtesy of the artist
Miller Gallery | Hyde Park Square. 513-871-4420. millergallery.com
Sept. 19-Oct. 26 FF “Kimball Derrick: My Book of Life - The Preface”
New Church of Montgomery | Glendale New Church, Glendal. swedenborg.wordpress.com
Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fourth annual “Something Wonderful” fine art and craft show/sale
Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. 859-572-5148. nku.edu/gallery
Thru Sept. 19. Theatre-based exhibition: Current Faculty/Staff & Alumni
Sept. 26-Oct. 25 FF Marissa Nicole Stewart: “Call Me When You Get Home”
• Gregory Rust. Reception: Sept. 26, 5-7 p.m.
Norwood International Art Show | Norwood. norwoodtogether.org
Sept. 21, 2-7 p.m.
Off Ludlow Gallery | Clifton. 513-201-7153. facebook.com
Sept. 27-Oct. 25. FF “Behind the Curtain” • “What Came Before”
The Datebook
Urban League will hold its Diamond Gala at Sharonville Convention Center on Sept. 7 with music by Soul Pocket and DJ/hip-hop artist Mannie Fresh
SEPT. 1, SUNDAY
Best Point, Rockin’ at Riverfest | 5-11 p.m. Smale Riverfront Park. Honorary co-chairs: Amy Miller and Sean Miller, Xavier men’s basketball coach. Cochairs: Christy Horan and Terry Horan, Betty Tonne and Bill Tonne, and Jane Gerhardt and Chip Gerhardt. bestpoint.org
Dan Beard Council/BSA, Festival of Fireworks | 5 p.m. The View, Mt. Adams. Private, tented space. Catered dinner and open bar, kids area with carnival games and bounce house, entertainment, silent auction and more. Hassle-free parking with shuttle bus. Tickets: $250; kids: $25; under 7: free. danbeard.org/festival-of-fireworks
SEPT. 2, MONDAY
Aruna Project, Cincinnati Run | 6:30 a.m. Smale Riverfront Park. 10K, 5K and 1-mile races. Virtual option available. Proceeds back the fight against human trafficking. raceroster.com
SEPT. 5, THURSDAY
FC Cincinnati Foundation, Served by the Pros | SOLD OUT
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Dinner of Champions | 6-9 p.m. Mad Tree Brewing Barrel Room, Oakley. Barrels and Botanicals-themed evening honoring local MS community champions. Silent auction, bourbon drawing,
On Sept. 10, the new Leadership Cincinnati class will be announced at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’ annual celebration at MegaCorp Pavilion. William C. (Wym) Portman III, Barbara Turner and Kiana Trabue receive awards.
wine and spirits drop. Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, Cincinnati Children’s. Tickets: $150; tables for 10: $2,000.
events.nationalmssociety.org
SEPT. 6, FRIDAY
Health Care Access Now, A Jazzy Night with HCAN | 7-10 p.m. The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout Square. Food, drink, raffle and music by Erwin Stuckey Trio. Tickets: $100.
eventbrite.com
Music & Wellness Coalition, Music & Medicine Conference | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Centennial Barn, 11 Compton Road, Wyoming. Keynote speakers: Dr. Barry Bittman, Joy Willenbrink-Conte and Mary Wolff. In-person: $125. Live stream: $100. Students: 50% off. 513-315-7393. Register by Aug. 31. musicandwellness.net
St. Joseph Home, Cintas SJH 35th Annual Golf Classic | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Glenview Golf Course. Registration and lunch followed by shotgun scramble start at noon. Golf with contests, games, food and drinks. Cookout-style dinner and awards presentation. Tickets: $200; foursome: $800. stjosephhome.org/events
SEPT. 7, SATURDAY
Behringer-Crawford Museum, 32nd freshART | 6-9:30 p.m. 1600 Montague Road, Covington. Patrons can purchase “fresh” art created plein
Stepping Stones, Annual Bloom | 7 p.m. Element Eatery, Madisonville. James Bond-themed night with silent auction, casino-themed games, live entertainment and food. Tickets: $150. steppingstonesohio.org
Urban League, Diamond Gala | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Dinner, dessert by-the-bite, open bar, music by Soul Pocket and DJ/hiphop artist Mannie Fresh. Formal attire/ comfortable shoes. Tickets: $225; table: $3,000.
ulgso.org/gala
SEPT. 9, MONDAY
air in Devou Park. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, culminating in a live auction. Proceeds, split with the artists, benefit youth education programs. Tickets: $60. bcmuseum.org
The Cure Starts Now, Bourbon Baron Bash | 6-10 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Presented by The Party Source. Bourbon tasting, live music, food trucks and concessions. Bourbon tasting: $60; event only: $30. bourbonbaronbash.org
Dragonfly, Ride for Dragonfly | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Queen City Harley Davidson, West Chester. Pre-party and after-party with live music, raffles, split-the-pot, vendors and merchandise booth. Tickets: $25.
dragonfly.org/motorcycle
Queen City Korfball, National Korfball Championships | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Norwood High School. Breakfast and silent auction. Free admission. info@queencitykorfball.org queencitykorfball.dreamhosters.com
Ronald McDonald House, Red Tie Gala | 6 p.m.-midnight. Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Honorees: Dr. Stella Davies and Dr. John Perentesis of Cincinnati Children’s. Silent auction and cocktail hour, followed by dinner, live auction, Adopt-a-Family and after party. Black-tie optional. Tickets: $250. redtiegala.home.qtego.us
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF Golf Classic | 11 a.m. Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia. Golf with cart, lunch, dinner, beverages, snacks, gift for each golfer. Individual: $440; foursome: $1,750.
events.cff.org/ohiogolfclassic
SEPT. 10, TUESDAY
Leadership Center at Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Annual Celebration | 5 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Kickoff and introduction to new Leadership Cincinnati class. Nelson Schwab, Jr. Distinguished Alumni Award: William C. (Wym) Portman III and Barbara Turner. Inaugural Civic Quotient Award: Kiana Trabue. Tickets: $150; tables: $1,200. cincinnatichamber.com
St. Elizabeth Foundation, 45th Annual Golf ParTee | Four golf courses across Northern Kentucky; six shotgun start times. Course placement and start choices not guaranteed; early registration encouraged. 859-301-3920 or stefoundation@stelizabeth.com stelizabeth.com/partee
SEPT. 11-12, WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY
Ohio River Way, 2024 Summit | Cox Building, Maysville, Ky. Honorary chair: Heather French Henry. Tours, cash bar, food, live music, networking, breakout sessions and keynote. Tickets: $55. ohioriverway.org/2024-orw-summit
SEPT. 12, THURSDAY
Adventure Crew, Sustainable Outdoor Fashion Show | 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Barn, Mariemont. Runway show with apparel and accessories from brands that support sustainability initiatives. Drinks, light bites and raffles. Tickets: $60.
Giving Voice Foundation, Cincy Brews for Brains | 6:30-9 p.m. Braxton Brewing. Beer tasting, food and photo booth.
givingvoicefdn.org
Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled, Taking Flight Awards | 5:30 p.m. Bally Sports Club, Great American Ball Park. Dinner and awards ceremony. Tickets: $75.
laddinc.org
MomsHope, Drive4Hope | 6-9 p.m. TopGolf, West Chester. Golf, food and raffles supporting single moms.
Bethesda Foundation, For Hospice | Little Miami Brewing Co. Event Center. Food and music. Tickets: $150.
Compass Cincinnati, Cincinnati Rhythm | 6-10 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Food, music, performances and awards.
cincinnaticompass.org
Melanoma Know More, Music for Melanoma Gala | 5:30-11 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Evening of live music: Jimmy Buffett tribute, cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, Key West getaway raffle, wine wall, bourbon pull. Community Award winners: Dr. William Hoppenjans, Dr. Scott Neltner and Dr. Mark Zalla. Tickets: $150.
melanomaknowmore.com
Ride Cincinnati, Kickoff Party | 5-8 p.m. Music, food and drinks.
ridecincinnati.org/ride
SEPT. 14, SATURDAY
Alzheimer’s Association, Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Butler and Warren Counties) | 8:30 a.m.-noon. The Square @ Union Centre. Walk to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
alz.org/cincinnati/events
Angels’ Castle, Annual Fundraiser | 4-8 p.m. 7904 Kugler Mill Rd., Cincinnati. Salsa performances, salsa lessons with Michael Beck, silent auction, penny raffle, music and Colombian food and drinks. Tickets: $125.
eventbrite.com/e/angels-castle
ArtWorks, Art Off the Walls | Newport Car Barn. Murals brought to life through multidisciplinary art, visual arts, performance and community engagement.
artworkscincinnati.org
Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center, Twilight at the Carnival | 7-9:30 p.m. Baker Hunt Campus, Covington. Live music, art demonstrations, games, raffle, art show by Baker Hunt artists and carnival dishes by Baker Hunt chefs. Proceeds go to expanding outreach programs. Tickets: $100. bakerhunt.org/events
Brighton Center, Wine Over Water | 5:30-9 p.m. Purple People Bridge. brightoncenter.com
Children’s Law Center, Boots, Bourbon & Biscuits Brunch | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Receptions Event Center, Erlanger. Brunch, silent auction, live music, drinks and contests.
childrenslawky.org
Forever Kings Building Strong Men Gala | 6-10 p.m. Savannah Center. Celebrating five years. Open bar, plated dinner and live entertainment. Tickets: $125.
foreverkingsinc.org
Girls on the Run, 20th Birthday Sneaker Soiree Gala | 5 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, wine pull, gift card bingo, raffles, guest speakers, fashion show and live auction.
Tickets: $100.
gotrcincinnati.org/sneaker-soiree
Adventure Crew presents its Sustainable Outdoor Fashion Show at The Barn in Mariemont on Sept. 12
The year’s Flavor of Findlay benefitting Findlay Market is Sept. 12. Taste food creations by market vendors and cocktails by guest bartender Molly Wellmann
Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Interactive open house, beer, live jazz, historic interpreters from 1840, silent auction and restoration reveal tours. Tickets start at $75.
stowehousecincy.org
Ride Cincinnati, Annual Ride | Sawyer Point Park. Riders use designated bicycle lanes with routes of 10, 15, 24, 36 and 64 miles.
ridecincinnati.org/ride
SEPT. 18, WEDNESDAY
Lord’s Gym Ministries, Community Awareness Breakfast | 7-8:30 a.m. Kenwood Country Club. Breakfast and speakers.
lordsgymministries.org/events
SEPT. 19, THURSDAY
Green Umbrella, Cultivate + Connect: A Celebration of Our Regional Food System| 5-8 p.m. The Reliquary, Northside. Food from local purveryors and drink tickets. Tickets: $65.
greenumbrella.org
Impact 100, Annual Awards Celebration | 5 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Dinner, drinks, social time and program. Tickets: $80.
impact100.org/event/aac-2024
SEPT. 20, FRIDAY
Cincinnati Zoo, Zoofari, Celebrating Elephants of India | 7 p.m.-midnight. Food from local restaurants, signature cocktails, animal experiences, henna designs, live entertainment, silent disco and more. Indian fashion encouraged. Tickets: $250; members: $200. Sponsorships available. cincinnatizoo.org
SEPT. 21, SATURDAY
Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency, 60th Anniversary Gala | 6-10 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Cocktail reception, three-course dinner and live entertainment. Tickets: $175.
cincycaa.ejoinme.org/CAA60
Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Teal Power 5K Run/Walk | 8:30 a.m. Summit Park. Team photos, music, vendor booths, raffles and award ceremony. runsignup.com/tealpower5k
The 2024 Talbert House Annual Luncheon is at Hard Rock Casino, Sept 30, honoring Kathryne Gardette, Nehemiah Manufacturing Company and Neil Tilow
Three Valley Conservation Trust, Farmer’s Feast Farm to Table Dinner | 5:30 p.m. Champion Mill Conference Center at Spooky Nook, Hamilton. Commemorating 30 years of conserving local farms and open spaces. Cocktail hour, music, dancing and dinner. Tickets: $150.
3vct.org
SEPT.22-29, SUNDAY-SUNDAY
Caracole, Roam Away from Home | Multiple locations. Scavenger hunt and online auction in honor of CEO Linda Seiter’s retirement. Play and bid on at your own pace. Those who finish eligible for raffle.
caracole.org/hunt
SEPT. 23, MONDAY
City Gospel Mission, 33rd Annual Golf Outing | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aston Oaks Golf Club, North Bend. Four-person scramble. Silent auction, games, fellowship and food.
Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center presents “Enchanting Isles, A Mediterranean Extravaganza” Sept. 28 at Airport Marriott. Honorees are Brandon and Kelli Fohl
Housing, Mary Sheldon and Sister Therese DelGenio.
centerforrespitecare.org
SEPT. 27, FRIDAY
Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, Dr. O’Dell Moreno Owens Scholarship Fund | 5:3010 p.m. Montgomery Inn Boathouse. Drinks, bites and silent auction, including items from Dr. Owens’ personal collection, plus dinner, program and dancing. Supports Black and Hispanic college-bound students. whitney@cincyscholarship.org
cincinnatischolarshipfoundation.org
Healthy Moms and Babes, Annual Dinner Celebration | 5:30-8 p.m. Clovernook Country Club. Dinner, raffles and bourbon pull. Tickets: $90.
healthymomsandbabes.org
SEPT. 28, SATURDAY
1N5, Warrior Run 5K | 5:15 p.m. Dogwood Park Belltower, Mariemont. 5K run, 1-mile walk and kids’ fun run.
classy.org
SEPT. 24, TUESDAY
American Jewish Committee, 2024 National Human Relations Award | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Hilton Netherland Plaza. Honoring Steven Shifman and Julie Shifman, Tim Fogarty and Sarah Fogarty.
ajc.org/cincinnati
SEPT. 25, WEDNESDAY
Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, 2024 Fall Event | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Pinecroft at Crosley Estate. Lunch, pop-up shops and silent auction. Tickets on sale Aug. 10.
lys.org/fallevent
SEPT. 26, THURSDAY
Center for Great Neighborhoods, Annual Celebration and Heart of the Community Awards | Hellmann Creative Center, Covington. Awards, raffles and silent auction.
greatneighborhoods.org
Center for Respite Care, Transformation Awards | Virtual. Emcee: Liz Bonis, Local12. Honorees: Respite Care Providers’ Network, John Lomax, Over the Rhine Community
Cancer Family Care, 12th Annual Dig Deep Volleyball Tournament | 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Grand Sands Volleyball, Loveland. Co-ed teams. Guaranteed to play at least three games. Lunch and T-shirt provided with registration. Teams start at $120.
cancerfamilycare.org
Greater Project, Sonder & Friends Oktoberfest 5K | 10 a.m. Sonder Brewing, Mason. 5K run/walk and Kids Root Beer Run. Local breweries serving German beers, festive food, kids activities and live music.
runsignup.com
Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center, “Enchanting Isles, A Mediterranean Extravaganza” | 6 p.m. Airport Marriott. Honorees: Kelli Fohl and Brandon Fohl of Oakmont Lending. nkycac.org/events
People Working Cooperatively, Annual ToolBelt Ball | 5:30 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Black-tie affair with cocktail reception, auctions, raffles, booze pull, entertainment and dinner. Tickets: $175.
pwchomerepairs.org/toolbeltball
Neil Tilow
Kathryn Gardette Nehemiah CEO Dan Meyer
SEPT. 30, MONDAY
DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Annual Golf Classic | Noon. Western Hills Country Club. Four-person scramble, lunch, cocktail reception and prizes. depaulcristorey.org
Green Umbrella, 2030 District Network Summit Kickoff | 5-8 p.m. 1819 Innovation Hub. Reception and networking celebration with panel discussion. Tickets: $35 members; $50 non-members. greenumbrella.org
Talbert House, Annual Luncheon | Noon-1:30 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Agnes Seasongood Award: Kathryne Gardette, Prestige AV & Creative Services; Community Service Award: Nehemiah Manufacturing Company; Ernest Talbert Award: Neil Tilow, consultant and former CEO, Talbert House. RSVP by Sept. 20. Tickets: $60.
talberthouse.org
OCT. 1, TUESDAY
Adventure Crew, Summits & Horizons | 5-8:30 p.m. Memorial Hall. Adventure Crew staff and students share experiences, drinks and light bites. Tickets: $50.
adventurecrew.org/summits
OCT. 2, WEDNESDAY
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, Benefit Bash | 6:30 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Performance by Tori Kelly. Tickets: $29.50. thebash.org
Boys Hope Girls Hope, Hearts For Hope Gala | 6 p.m. First Financial Club, TQL Stadium. Honoring Rep. Brad Wenstrup with Heart of Gold award. Cocktail hour, silent auction, raffles, plated dinner, live auction by Laura Mantle-Grunden and music by DJ NatJones. bhghcincinnati.org
OCT. 3, THURSDAY
BBB Cincinnati, Torch and Spark Awards Gala | 5:30 p.m. The Summit Hotel, Madisonville. Honoring regional ethical business and nonprofit community. Networking cocktail hour, photo booth and live awards show. Tickets: $125.
whova.com
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Light the Night | 5:30 p.m. Yeatman’s Cove. 2024 Honored Hero: Maddie Havera, acute myeloid leukemia survivor. Featuring experiences and ceremonies.
lightthenight.org/ohio
Santa Maria Community Services, Passport to Success | 6-9 p.m. Aston Oaks Golf Club, North Bend. Speaker: David Da Silva, FC Cincinnati’s mental performance coach. Emcee: Lauren Minor, Fox19. Food, drinks, auction and raffle. Tickets: $75.
eventbrite.com
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati Benefit Bash takes place Oct. 2 at MegaCorp Pavilion. Singer Tori Kelly will perform.
On Oct. 4, Cincinnati Parks Foundation supporters will dine al fresco during the annual Hats Off Luncheon at Smale Riverfront Park. Honorary co-chairs are Edna Keown, Cathy Crain and Carrie Hayden
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night takes place Oct. 3 at Yeatman’s Cove. The 2024 Honored Hero is Maddie Havera
OCT. 4, FRIDAY
Building Value, ReUse-apalooza | 7-11 p.m. 4040 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. Entertainment, local bites, plus the Designer Challenge showcasing reuse and design skills.
buildingvalue.org/reuse-apalooza
Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Hats Off Luncheon | 11 a.m. Smale Riverfront Park. Champagne reception and luncheon. Honorary co-chairs: Edna Keown, Cathy Crain and Carrie Hayden. Tickets start at $225.
cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
CityLink Center, MashUp | 6-10 p.m. CityLink Center, Queensgate. Food, performances and interactive art. Tickets: $40.
eventbrite.com
WAVE Foundation, Nauti Nite | 7:30-11:30 p.m. Newport Aquarium. VIP reception: 6:30 p.m. Dinner by-the-bite from local restaurants, open bar, live entertainment, raffles, silent disco, animal encounters and silent auction. Tickets: $125 thru Aug. 16, then $150.
e.givesmart.com
OCT. 5, SATURDAY
Alzheimer’s Association, Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Cincinnati Tri-State) | 8:30 a.m.-noon. Sawyer Point Park. Walk to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
alz.org/cincinnati/events
Christ Hospital Health Network, 2024 Gala| Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Benefiting comprehensive oncology program. Tickets start at $300.
thechristhospital.com
Patty Brisben Foundation, Annual Gala | 6 p.m. Cincinnati Ballet Margaret & Michael Valentine Center for Dance, Walnut Hills. Black-tie event with music by Naked Karate Girls, live and silent auctions, performers and aura photo booth. Tickets: $250. pattybrisbenfoundation.org
OCT. 8, TUESDAY
YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Racial Justice Breakfast | 8 a.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Theme for 24th annual event is “Power of the People’s Vote.” Keynote speaker: Angela Rye, award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer,
commentator and self-described “empowermenteur.” Racial Justice Honorees to be announced in September. Early bird tickets: $75 thru August. ywcacincinnati.org
7 p.m. Woodward Theater, Over-theRhine. Music, desserts, cash bar, splitthe-pot and awards. ignitepeace.org
OCT. 10, THURSDAY
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, She Leads: A Celebration of Changemakers | 8-9:30 a.m. Kenwood Country Club. Breakfast and awards ceremony. Tickets: $50; table: $500. gswo.org
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Annual Celebration & Cocktail Reception | 5:30-8:30 p.m. TQL Stadium. Keynote: Germaine Hunter, VP & chief diversity officer, GE Aerospace. Appetizers and two drink tickets. Dress: business casual. Registration opens Sept. 3. Tickets: $125; Hispanic YP tickets: $100.
hispanicchambercincinnati.com
Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, Greater Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame | 6-9 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Reception, dinner and program. Tickets: $350. okipartners.ja.org
Lord’s Gym Ministries, Community Awareness Breakfast | 7-8:30 a.m. Embassy Suites, Covington. Breakfast and speakers. lordsgymministries.org/events
NewPath, Heart & Hope Gala | 5:30-8 p.m. Hilton Netherland Plaza. Cocktail hour, dinner, program and awards ceremony. Tickets: $150. newpath.org/events/gala
OCT. 11, FRIDAY
Building Blocks for Kids, Golf 4 the Kids Tournament | 9 a.m. Vineyard Golf Course. Teams of golfers paired with area professional golfer. Tickets: $150; threesome $750.
bb4k.org/get-involved/events
Great Parks Forever, Root Ball | 6 – 9:30 p.m. The Summit Hotel, Madisonville. Dinner, cocktails, music, silent auction. Connect with fellow nature lovers. Host or hostess: $250; guest: $150
forever.greatparks.org/root-ball
OCT. 12, SATURDAY
Legacy Residential Homes, Legacy Appreciation Gala & Awards Dinner | 6 p.m. Metropolitan Club, Covington. Celebrates dedication and achievements of those supporting challenged youth. Above and Beyond Award: Ron Sahsy. Tickets: $125
legacyresidential.org/whats-new
DATEBOOK
Ohio Valley Voices, Rockin’ with the Rustys: A Night to Remember | 7-11 p.m. The Hangar 2 at Lunken Airport. Celebrating the power of music and dance with The Rusty Griswolds. ohiovalleyvoices.org
OCT. 16, WEDNESDAY
Queen City Clubhouse, Bowling for QCC | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Stones Lanes, Norwood. Glow bowling, silent auction, split-the-pot raffle, bake sale, prizes and food.
qcclubhouse.org
Women Helping Women, Stephanie Land Event | 7:30 p.m. Schiff Center, Xavier University. Keynote: Stephanie Land. VIP reception womenhelpingwomen.org
OCT. 17, THURSDAY
La Soupe, Chef Talks | 6:30-9 p.m. The Bacon Barn, 10890 Indeco Drive, Blue Ash. 5:30 p.m. VIP cocktail hour. Light bites and cocktails featuring James Beard Award nominees Jose Salazar of Mita’s, Elaine Uykimpang Bentz and Erik Bentz of Cafe Mochiko and Jeff Harris of Nolia. lasoupe.org/cheftalks
OCT. 18, FRIDAY
OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence, OneSource Illuminated | 5-7:30 p.m. Fifth Third Center, downtown. Food, drinks, auction and music. Prelude to BLINK. Complimentary parking for the evening. Tickets: $100-150. onesourcecenter.org
Bethesda Foundation, Celebration of Angels | 5 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Benefits the Mary Jo Cropper Family Center for Breast Care. Ceremony to honor Mary Jo’s Angels. Tickets: $75. bethesdafoundation.com OCT. 25, FRIDAY
James Beard Award nominees Elaine Uykimpang Bentz and Erik Bentz of Cafe Mochiko, Jeff Harris of Nolia and Jose Salazar of Mita’s will speak at La Soupe’s Chef Talks at The Bacon Barn in Blue Ash on Oct. 17
Ion Center, Toast for Hope | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Drees Pavilion, Covington. Details TBA. ioncenter.org
The Nuxhall Foundation. The Miracle Ball | 6 p.m. Oscar Event Center, Jungle Jim’s Fairfield. Gala fundraiser honoring 2024 winner of Joe Nuxhall Humanitarian Award. Dinner, silent auction, live auction and after-party. Tickets: $150; $1,200/table of 8; $75/ individual after-party ticket. Sponsorship opportunities available.
nuxhallmiracleleague.org
OCT. 26, SATURDAY
Guiding Light, Igniting Future Leaders Gala | 6 p.m. Graduate Hotel, Corryville. Dinner, awards and scholarship ceremony, live/silent auction and keynote speaker. Tickets: $100. guidinglightmentoring.org
OCT. 26, SATURDAY
Kindervelt – auxiliary for Cincinnati Children’s, Casino Royale | 6:30 p.m. | Fueled Collective, Norwood. Casino games, gourmet cuisine, silent auction, bourbon pull, entertainment by Blue Water Kings Band and more. Benefits Cincinnati Children’s Leukemia Center.
kindervelt.org
OCT. 26-27, SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Ohio River Foundation, Cincinnati Coffee Festival | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Hundreds of free tastings of coffees, teas, pastries, chocolates and savory foods. People’s Choice Award for favorite brew. Proceeds benefit Ohio River Foundation.
cincinnaticoffeefestival.com
NOV. 1, FRIDAY
Dress for Success Cincinnati, Fashion Show | 7 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Dinner by-the-bite, drinks, raffle and fashion show by Ohiobased designer Gerardo Encinas.
dfscincy.org
New Life Furniture Bank, Party In The House | 6-9 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Auction, pop-up shops and music.
nlfurniture.org
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LOCAL ARTISTIC DIRECTORS:
How does live local theater thrive amidst a global, online media landscape?
Inlate July, Movers & Makers invited the leaders of Cincinnati’s “Big Four” professional theaters to join arts writer David Lyman for a chat. There was no agenda, other than to discuss the state of Cincinnati theater.
The four:
D. Lynn Meyers, producing artistic director of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati since 1995
Brian Isaac Phillips, producing artistic director of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company since 2003
Blake Robison, producing artistic director of Playhouse in the Park since 2012
Bridget Leak , producing artistic director of Know Theatre since May 1
The conversation – nearly all of it on the record –rambled easily from subject to subject. For the most part, they all want the same things: more audiences, more funding and a prosperous Greater Cincinnati theater community.
(NOTE: Comments have been edited for clarity and length.)
Lyman: Each of your theaters occupies a niche in Cincinnati theater. So could we start with each of you describing how you view your theater’s place?
Meyers: We say that we’re a theater with a conscience. We are defined by where we are. That was born out of somebody choosing to buy a building in a neighborhood that nobody wanted to go to. Even today, the 1125 (Vine St.) address genuinely pushes what we do onstage. In one way, we are in a luxurious position. With 182 seats, I can take some chances that others can’t. And if I sell less than 182, but I still sell 100, I’m still OK.
Phillips: We are the theater that’s bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life. Also, we’ve been trying to contribute new works to the classical canon with our commissions and world premieres. One other thing that sets us apart is that, for 30 years, we’ve used a resident ensemble as the heart of our acting company. That has brought a lot of people to Cincinnati, and hopefully helped grow the creative community along with everybody in this room.
Robison: We call ourselves Cincinnati’s National Theater. That may seem highfalutin, but we have the resources and the broad shoulders to bring the best of American theater to Cincinnati in a way that some others perhaps cannot. The other part of our
mission, which is equally important, is to elevate Cincinnati artists to the national stage. And you can see that not only in the casting of certain shows, but also in the work we’re doing with our arts and culture incubator. We’re always asking ourselves, what can the Playhouse do that none of the other companies in town can accomplish? We have many different audiences to serve. So we’re not as branded as just a new-play premiere theater or a classics theater or an experimental theater. We’re trying to do a little bit of all of that. It sounds like a cliche, but there’s something for everyone in the Playhouse season.
Leak: I have the benefit of being the smallest of what I like to call The Big Four. I think there’s a great benefit to that. We have the opportunity to do something that y’all maybe can’t do and maybe wouldn’t choose to do. That gives us a great amount of freedom. I also feel like my job is to serve the local actors, the local designers and, ultimately, the broader community. Employing local artists was our founding principle. That’s the niche that I’m trying to figure out and navigate.
Lyman: And where does the biggest of the big –the Broadway in Cincinnati series – fall into all of this? Do you view them as the competition?
Robison: Not at all.
Phillips: It’s a completely different beast, because it’s a presenting house, bringing in commercial productions from out of town. I think the biggest way that we factor them into our planning is that if there is something that they do, we will know that a large majority of the Cincinnati audience will have seen it. And so perhaps we have to wait for it for a while.
Meyers: The best thing about all of this is that we all actually speak with each other. We share information. We collaborate. We help each other.
Robison: Remember the half-season that we had to be offsite? We staged our shows at The Carnegie and the Incline (Warsaw Federal Incline Theater) and in the Jarson-Kaplan at the Aronoff Center? That was fantastic. Everybody wanted to step up and help. I don’t know if that would have happened in another city.
Meyers: People are honest here. If I say “Are you going to do this?” Blake will say “yes” or “no” or “maybe, but not now.”
Leak: Open communications like this are almost unheard of in other places.
By David Lyman
D. Lynn Meyers
Brian Isaac Phillips
Blake Robison
Bridget Leak
Robison: It’s pointless for a bigger theater to hold onto a title “just in case.” I would rather let it go so that the city can see the play even if we’re not the ones to do it.
Phillips: That collaborative spirit in Cincinnati is bizarre to people outside of our area code. Several years ago we did “One Man, Two Guvnors.” Before we did it, there was a chance that Playhouse was going to do it. But Blake gave me a phone call and said “We’re not doing it. Go ahead.” So we called up Dramatists (the company controlling the play’s production rights) and told them that the Playhouse has let it go. They were flabbergasted that we had communicated with each other.
Meyers: I think it has to do with respect. There is mutual respect built on the knowledge that everybody at this table does really good work. And that’s different than if you’re in a city where people are taking advantage of people or gouging them with tickets or pretending to be something they’re not. That’s just not the case here.
The conversation turned to the lingering impact of the pandemic, everything from press coverage to money – grants, contributions and ticket sales.
Leak: We just had this conversation recently. What do we do if there are no reviewers? There are the writers from the League of Community Theaters and the Sappy Critic.
Phillips: But you almost have to be inside the theater scene to know that that type of coverage exists. They don’t have the same impact as reviews that land on people’s doorsteps. I know newspapers are struggling. But there’s nothing that has the same impact. It is a challenge to not have that kind of consistent coverage or reviews in a more traditional format.
Robison: I feel for the playwrights. This is not a community where anyone’s review is going to sell $50,000 worth of tickets. But it matters to the playwrights because they’re trying to get their plays done somewhere else. If they can walk away with a nice, decent review, that’s huge for them.
Phillips: I’m not sure reviews ever killed us. But a preview? Last season, the only preview article we were able to get was for “The Rewards of Being Frank.” We doubled our single-ticket goal for that because everybody got excited about it going to New York. This is not just a Cincinnati challenge. There was nothing to cover during the pandemic as far as live theater events. So it was easy to get out of that habit.
Robison: It’s not just the press that has gotten out of the habit. Audiences have, too. People will still come to titles they recognize. But getting anybody to buy a ticket for a play they haven’t heard of is harder season by season.
Leak: Audiences want to know that if they’re going to spend money on a babysitter, on tickets, on parking, they want to know that in exchange for giving up all of that, they’re going to have a good time. That is the transaction they’re expecting.
Phillips: There are different ways to measure recovery. When it comes to our audience, we are back to the level before the pandemic. But we would have grown. So we’re actually behind where we would have been had the pandemic never occurred. Subscriptions are down while single tickets are up. That was happening before the pandemic, but it has accelerated. I’m glad that people are still coming. But I wish we had the same level of commitment that we did before.
There is mutual respect built on the knowledge that everybody at this table does really good work. And that’s different than if you’re in a city where people are taking advantage … or gouging them with tickets or pretending to be something they’re not. That’s just not the case here.
– D. Lynn Meyers
Robison: The other thing that has accelerated is burnout. A lot of people have just left the field.
Leak: It feels like there is a generation of people stepping into roles who are not yet trained professionals.
Robison: Before the pandemic, when we had a job open up in our production department, we would probably have 30 applications. We’re lucky if we get four now.
Phillips: I have no proof behind what I’m about to say. But I think we’re moving into a significant moment in our industry. When Arena Stage and Cleveland Play House and the Guthrie and these places started the regional movement, most cities across America didn’t have theaters like that. So people bought into the idea. But now the theaters have been here for decades. That donor base is retiring or passing away, and their children and grandchildren take it for granted. So we need to make a case for why their support is so essential. Just because we’ve been here for 60 or 70 years, there’s no guarantee we’ll be here for 70 more.
Robison: It’s not just the theaters, but all the civic institutions in cities like this were built up by a certain generation of families. There was a sort of a civic focus. But the next generation has global concerns. So their children and
grandchildren, it’s not that they don’t like Cincinnati, but they want to deal with world hunger and global warming. The philanthropy becomes spread out. That’s a serious, serious issue.
Lyman: So where do you go from here?
Phillips: I’m not really sure. What does the future look like beyond just being able to use social media, being able to use direct mail? What is the next way in which we can reliably talk to our audience to inform them specifically about programming that does not have title recognition? I don’t have an answer.
Robison: I think social media has changed everything. We don’t spend a dollar at the Cincinnati Enquirer anymore. Literally not a dollar. But we’re spending everything we have on promoted Facebook and Instagram posts and all that stuff. That’s just how people are consuming things now.
Meyers: But it’s expensive if you want to promote posts. I mean, you can only depend so much on your own Facebook and Instagram posts. But yeah, print doesn’t happen. Now, that’s not to say that we still don’t do ads in other people’s programs and things like that. But social media is different. And it’s actually
created a job, which is somebody to manage the digital and video side of things.
Robison: We were very fortunate at the Playhouse. We were opening a new building. And it was a huge opportunity to press this giant “refresh” button on patterns that had been ingrained for decades. We started fresh and said, let’s schedule this one for five weeks. Let’s schedule this one for three weeks based on what’s going to be popular and what’s maybe a little more challenging. Now, there is no “standard run” at
got some older patrons saying “I can’t believe you’re doing that.” I tell them that’s OK – you come see “Frankenstein.” But when it comes to attracting new audience members and younger ones, too, I think “Fat Ham” will be the one that does it.
Robison: For us, it’s “Rutka” (Oct. 13-Nov. 10). And it’s not just because it’s a pre-Broadway musical. Since it’s a story told from a teenage point of view, I think it will hold special interest for younger audiences. Not just teens.
Leak: Our big one? “Blerds”
the Playhouse, and I think we’ve benefited from that.
Meyers: We did something similar. Not by changing the length of the runs. But by doing five full shows instead of six, we’ve built in buffers so that if something was selling exceptionally well, it could run longer. Also, it means that we’re not killing the staff like we used to.
Leak: It’s given people more flexibility, more of an opportunity to respond to their audiences. We don’t have the same flexibility as the Playhouse. But I’ve learned from all of these good folks. So I built in a week of possible extensions for my holiday show. If it does as well as I hope it will, I think I can do that extra week. So it’s sort of buffered into the season.
Lyman: Speaking of the coming season, is there one production that you are especially excited about?
Phillips: “Fat Ham” (Sept. 6-22) is the one for us. I’ve already
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(Short for “Black nerds” - runs April 4-19). We’ve already sold out two student matinees, which is completely new for us. We’ve never done student matinees before. So not only is it a great play, but it is one that is helping us move into exciting new territory.
Meyers: I want people to see “The Garbologists” (Sept. 14-Oct. 6). I love it. And I love the fact that it’s just not what anybody thinks it’s going to be. It’s two unlikely people in a garbage truck. Maybe it’s a love story? Well, no, it’s not. Oh, somebody’s Black, somebody’s white. Maybe it’s a race story? No, it’s really not. It’s just surprising and different and cathartic. And if you see it, I don’t think you’ll ever look at somebody blocking your way with a garbage truck the same way again. At least that’s my hope. You know me – I like surprising people.
“I like that we support the Reds and the Cincinnati Pops. We get tickets to the theatre and sports events, and I love to attend those kinds of outings. There’s always a menu of experiences to pick from and plenty of opportunities to attend events and participate in activities.”
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David Lyman, D. Lynn Meyers, Brian Isaac Phillips, Bridget Leak and Blake Robison chatting at Movers & Makers’ world headquarters (aka the home office).
Photos: elizabeth Mariner
The Notables
Movers & Makers asked Greater Cincinnati’s theater companies to introduce their notables in stage production to our readers, part of a regular feature highlighting people making a difference in the region’s nonprofit community.
Brett Parr of Cincinnati Music Theatre plays many roles, on stage and off
BrettParr
Brett Parr is a jack-of-all-trades for Cincinnati Music Theatre, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary as downtown Cincinnati’s community theater. The energetic young professional appears onstage in many productions, is a producer for the group’s upcoming production “Overthrone,” and serves as publicity chair on the CMT board of trustees. Parr brings unique ideas and fresh perspectives to the organization and works hard to bring new members and talent into the CMT family. Parr has worked to spread the word about CMT through community presentations and news appearances, and he recently secured a mayoral proclamation for the group’s 60th anniversary in May. Parr wants to help build and maintain the future of CMT for years to come. When he’s not in the theater, you can find Parr cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals with his husband, McLean, or dancing in his living room to Dolly Parton.
Angelo Cerniglia bring love of the stage to Children’s Theatre’s growing academy
AngeloCerniglia
Angelo Cerniglia, the maestro behind the educational magic at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, leads TCT Academy with flair and passion. With a BFA from Shenandoah Conservatory and an M.Ed. from Lesley University, Cerniglia has had roles at Riverside Children’s Theatre and Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts. His innovative spirit earned him the prestigious Freddie G Fellowship Award and accolades at the Junior Theatre Festival alongside his group of young performers who compete with over 6,000 other theater students from around the world. Under Cerniglia’s leadership, TCT Academy’s enrollment and budget have soared, tripling since 2019. A beloved teacher and visionary, Cerniglia is dedicated to making the arts accessible for everyone. Cerniglia hails from Florida and is thrilled to call Cincinnati home. He’s the proud dad of two precious fur babies and too many houseplants.
Rainy Edwards brings meticulous approach to Cincy Shakes costumery
Bertha Lynn Davis switched careers to write and produce for the stage
After a 30-plus year career as a corporate researcher and human resource manager, Bertha Lynn Davis decided to move from full-time corporate to full-time creative. Davis wrote and produced her first fulllength play, “It’s Complicated,” which was enjoyed by sold-out audiences in Cincinnati and was to make its Chicago debut in August. She also joined the Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring new works by new voices to the stage. CPI selected Davis’ short play “Boy Meets Girl” and full-length “The Journey to Forever” for staged readings. The latter debuts at The Fifth Third Bank Theater on Nov. 12. When Davis is not writing she enjoys volunteering with her church, the Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition, dancing and spending quality time with her family.
Nicole Haake sets the stage for Lumos Players in Landen
NicoleHaake
Nicole Haake has a passion for art and stage managing, and a desire to give back to her community. That passion led her to Lumos Players, a community theater in Landen. Her skill in design and stage management has helped Lumos Players and her artistic ability is reflected on stage through the many sets that she has designed and painted. She is extremely organized and forward-thinking, making each production she manages seamless. Haake also advocates for the acceptance of others, which embodies the company’s core values. Haake is a talented painter and a loving wife, mother and Nana. She also is a volunteer tutor at WCCS Adult New Readers and an art instructor at Painting with a Twist Mason.
Rainy Edwards joined Cincinnati Shakespeare Company as resident costume designer in 2018, hailing from Llano, Texas, and having completed her MFA in costume design at Florida State University. Her work on recent productions – from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to “The Play that Goes Wrong” – has been lauded for its beauty and attention to detail, enhancing the storytelling and visual appeal of each show. As a key member of the production team, her leadership and meticulous approach have elevated the overall quality of the company’s productions. Colleagues and friends at Cincy Shakes celebrate her ability to bring characters to life through costumes, creating an immersive experience for audiences. Edwards’ work has also been showcased at The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Triad Stage, Utah Shakespeare Festival and Lexington Children’s Theatre. She attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her partner, Chris, and their dog, Obi.
RainyEdwards
BerthaLynn Davis
Emily Bush puts devotion into action as ETC’s education director
Emily Bush’s love shows in everything she does at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and in the world. She began with ETC two years ago as an associate in the Education Department and brought her own ideas and passions to fruition. Her devotion to ETC’s education program is ever-evolving as she attempts to reach the needs of students and teachers alike. In October, ETC held its first International Education Conference, hosting teachers from three countries, five states and many from our region. When ETC’s director of education was called out of town for a family emergency, Bush stepped up and ran a successful conference. She is planning this year’s conference. She has just finished a sold-out summer camp, got engaged, bought a house and added a new cat to her family. Her enthusiasm is only matched by her keen insight into what is needed to serve our young community.
Josh Escajeda oversees magic of Playhouse productions’ designs
Josh Escajeda is director of production at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. He oversees the construction and execution of all the amazing designs that appear on Playhouse stages. Scenery, costumes, lighting, projections and sound are his world. He works with Broadway designers and the Playhouse’s staff of skilled artisans to create the stage magic that audiences enjoy. Escajeda came to the Playhouse from Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C., where he held a similar position, and worked in production management at Brooklyn Academy of Music. He’s also been shop manager at Manhattan Theatre Club, a production carpenter, an actor and the manager of his own scenic shop. He’s passionate about working to further the Playhouse’s DEIA initiatives and was thrilled to help open the new Moe and Jack’s Place –The Rouse Theatre.
JoshEscajeda
Liz Coley’s plays have been performed in Cincinnati and far from home
Liz Coley is an award-winning playwright who founded Next Stage Cincinnati Playwrights. She began her writing career as a novelist with internationally best-selling “Pretty Girl-13.” She changed focus after attending a master class at the University of Cincinnati in 2016. Since then her plays have been performed across the United States, in Japan and in London. She received commissions for a radio play from the University of Cincinnati, a puppet theater play for children, and a 24-hour monologue challenge with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. As a producer, Coley has presented Next Stage Nine, a writing group showcase, and her play “Castaways” at two Fringe festivals. The professional premiere of “Moving in, Moving Out, Moving On” at MadLab Theater received a Best New Play nomination by Broadway in Columbus. Coley is a founding member of a nonpartisan voter advocacy organization, TARGETOHIO. She also plays tennis with friends and sings soprano in her church choir.
Best Views
OF CINCINNATI
LizColey
Katie Hartman comes to Know Theatre with love for Cincinnati, her new home
Elijah Webster of American Legacy Theatre runs artistic programs for young people
C.J. Bossart wears many hats for Village Players of Fort Thomas
Katie Hartman first became enamored with Cincinnati’s vibrant and dynamic arts scene in 2014 when the Coldharts, the theater company she helms with creative and life partner Nick Ryan, first produced at the Cincy Fringe Festival. A New York-based touring theatermaker for the past 15 years, she is excited to be leading marketing and communications for the Know Theatre in addition to her role as producer of the Cincy Fringe Festival – a position she’s been growing in for the last three years. In addition to her love for arts advocacy, humans, history and weird art, Hartman’s hobbies include roller skating, hiking, sustainable fashion, reading in bed with her two cats, and cooking with friends. She is thrilled to call the Queen City her family’s new home, to be a voter in Ohio, and to seek out all of the wildness and wonder the region has to offer.
Elijah Webster is American Legacy Theatre’s artistic program coordinator. Webster is the unsung hero ensuring that ALT is readily present in classrooms regionally and across Ohio for youths in grades PreK-12 to address systemwide challenges like kindergarten readiness, workforce development, mental health and other whole-child developments. His six-year journey with the company started as a youth in ALT programs, moved to teaching artist, to stage manager, and finally to staff. Webster’s passion for the community is second to none. He’s an avid learner and genuinely embodies the spirit of service. When not making the world a more equitable place through accessible theater, Webster trains dogs, spends time with family and enjoys a great meal – just not too many ingredients!
C.J. Bossart’s work is a tour de force at Village Players of Fort Thomas. He has been involved as an actor at Village Players since 2018’s fall production of “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” but has become an MVP since joining the organization’s board in 2021 as treasurer. Since then he has added the roles of chair of the Building & Grounds Committee, Play Selection Committee and master carpenter/set designer. He also volunteers with the Publicity Committee, Capital Campaign Committee and the theater’s box office. Bossart enjoys keeping the theater running, whether by scenic painting for the next production, installing a new faucet in the bathrooms, or advising on Village Players’ executive board. When he is not volunteering at Village Players, Bossart is a software designer who enjoys cycling, collecting bourbon and smoking barbecue in his Oakley backyard with his wife and two children.
APY = Annual Percentage Yield. 1To participate in this offer: 1) Open a new Business Advantage Money Market (BAMMA) account. No minimum deposit required to open the account; account must be funded within 30 days of opening. 2) Reach a balance of $25,000 in your new BAMMA within 30 days of account opening. The $25,000 balance requires new money only, defined as funds not currently on deposit with General Electric Credit Union (GECU). To earn the introductory APY for 180-days, you must maintain a minimum balance of $25,000 within the BAMMA account. Days your minimum balance falls below $25,000, you will receive the non-promotional APY. It may take 2 business days from the time all requirements are met to adjust the dividend rate to the promotional dividend rate. Dividend payments may reflect a blended APY that is below 4.50% if you earned a lower rate for a portion of the statement period. BAMMA APYs are accurate as of 3.7.2024; 2.65% APY for balances of $0.01 to $24,999.99, and 4.50% APY for balances of $25,000 or more. Non-promotional dividend rates and APYs are subject to change at GECUs
KatieHartman
ElijahWebster
C.J.Bossart
Gifts & Grants
United Way awards $11.3M to 81 community partners
United Way of Greater Cincinnati is investing $11.3 million among 81 local nonprofits committed to bringing about systemic changes across the region. The 2024-25 funded partners have worked with UWGC and each other over the past two years.
The work of each organization aligns with UWGC’s key impact areas: educational success, financial empowerment and housing security. UWGC hosts community learning events where organizations share tools and discuss challenges, roadblocks and successes.
Full list of recipients is on the M&M site.
moversmakers.org
Lindner Center of HOPE to use $1.25M gift to enhance services
The Lindner Center of HOPE, a comprehensive mental health center in Mason, received a pledge of $1.25 million from The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners to advance mental health care for Greater Cincinnatians of all ages.
The gift requests that $1 million go toward the center’s Research Institute, with the rest to the “Helping Hands” Fund, which provides financial assistance to patients in need.
As part of the donation, The Lindner Center of HOPE will rename its research institute in honor of Dr. Susan L. McElroy, its longtime chief research officer.
lindnercenterofhope.org
Region wins millions in grants from Ohio Arts Council
Greater Cincinnati and Dayton-area creatives, organizations and local governments are set to receive $5, 56 million in state funding to support arts-minded programming across Ohio.
Brown, Butler, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery and Warren counties received 172 grants from the Ohio Arts Council. Hamilton County and Cincinnati are home to the most award recipients in Southwest Ohio by far.
Grants ranged from $750,000 to help sustain the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to a few thousand dollars to provide support to local master artists working with apprentices in folk and traditional art forms.
OAC approved 935 grants across the state totaling more than $22 million.
oac.ohio.gov/grants
State awards $1.25M to Great Parks for future Westwood park
The state of Ohio is providing $1.25 million to Great Parks to support the construction of a new park in Westwood.
Funds will be administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for development of the former Gamble estate on Werk Road under a master plan that includes trails, boardwalks, playscapes, a greenhouse, accessible treehouse and other amenities.
Completion of the master plan may take up to seven years, at a cost of more than $18 million. The site has been open to pedestrians since April 2022.
Haile Foundation gift supports affordable vehicle program
Local nonprofit ChangingGears received $25,000 from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation to support jobs and affordable transportation for people across Greater Cincinnati.
ChangingGears provides affordable, private transportation solutions through three core programs: vehicle purchase, vehicle repair and automotive technician training. This funding will go to the vehicle repair program.
changing-gears.org
Ronald McDonald House wins $25K for trauma-informed care work
The Cincinnati chapter of the Ronald McDonald House received $25,000 and special recognition during the organization’s international conference for its work in traumainformed care.
Sarah Curry, communications manager for the Cincinnati chapter, accepted the award. Curry has earned five certifications over the last five years to help educate and implement a trauma-informed culture.
Greater Cincinnati was one of only six Ronald McDonald House chapters to receive the award. There are more than 390 around the globe.
rmhcincinnati.org
Local couple donates $10K challenge grant to Transform Cincy
A Cincinnati charity providing clothing, support groups and social activities for local trans and gender-nonconforming youth has been awarded a $10,000 challenge matching grant.
Cincinnati couple Carolyn and Kevin Martin awarded the funding to Transform Cincy in honor of their friend Meghan Riley Lewis, who was shot to death outside her Maryland apartment in December.
The challenge grant was made to Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati, the region’s only local charitable umbrella for social/economic justice, to help Transform Cincy build a new on-site storage shed for donated clothing.
Started five years ago, Transform typically serves 300-400 clients each year.
transformcincy.org
Duke Energy Foundation, Blue North gift to support NKY small businesses
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will provide grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to small businesses, thanks to a partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation and Blue North.
Duke and Blue North each provided $25,000 to support the NKY Small Business Grants for Minority-, Women- and Veteran-Owned Businesses. Funds will be awarded to businesses with 50 or fewer employees that are Duke Energy small business customers in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.
nkychamber.com
Sule Foundation grant supports Movers & Makers arts coverage
The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation has awarded a grant of $10,000 to support arts coverage in Movers & Makers, allowing the publication to share more news, tell more stories and profile more individuals involved in the arts. This is the second year for this award, which extends through June 2025.
moversmakers.org
Mary Agnes “M.A.” Laguatan of Ronald McDonald House Charities Global; Jennifer Loeb, CEO of RMHC Cincinnati; Katie Fitzgerald, CEO of RMHC Global; Sarah Curry of RMHC Cincinnati; and Donell Bullock of RMHC Global
Nonprofit News
Local nonprofits generate billions in economic output
Greater Cincinnati nonprofits generated nearly $3 billion economic output in fiscal year 2022, including $1.4 billion in direct impact from jobs created, taxes paid and more.
Those are the findings of a new study conducted by UC Economics Center.
The report looked at economic and fiscal data from members of the Human Services Chamber of Hamilton County, the Leadership Council for Nonprofits and OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
The review analyzed data from 312 nonprofits in a variety of sectors: professional, scientific and technical services; educational services; health care and social assistance; arts, entertainment and recreation; and a catch-all “other services” category that excluded public administration.
Major takes include that member organizations:
• Provided $1.4 billion of direct economic output and directly employed 24,003 individuals who earned wages of $751.4 million.
• Sustained an additional $1.5 billion of indirect economic output through which 17,020 additional individuals were employed with wages totaling $586 million.
• Created a total of $2.9 billion in economic output, which supported 41,023 jobs with $1.3 billion in total wages.
• Generated $87.1 million in earnings and sales tax revenue at the state, county and municipal levels.
leadershipcouncil.us, click on Blog
Film Cincinnati on shortlist to host Sundance Film Festival
Film Cincinnati and various regional partners have spent the past decade working to transform the Queen City into what they call the Hollywood
of the Midwest. Now, that group hopes to cement the reputation – and attract tens of millions of dollars to the local economy – by helping Cincinnati become the new home to the Sundance Film Festival.
The festival’s operator, Sundance Institute, named Cincinnati and five other cities as finalists to become the host of the international showcase for independent filmmakers. Other finalists include Atlanta; Boulder, Colorado; Louisville; and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Institute also left open the possibility of returning to the current site in Park City/Salt Lake City, Utah.
Founded by actor Robert Redford in 1981, the Sundance Institute aims to support new U.S. and international film works through programming such as workshops, mentorships and grants.
The festival, which celebrated its 40th edition last year, has become the largest independent film festival in the United States. Members of the Sundance Institute selection committee will visit the finalist cities. The selected city will begin hosting in 2027.
filmcincinnati.com
Cincinnati Preservation report to help save local Black sites
Cincinnati Preservation is conducting a yearlong study to identify and eventually protect historically significant Black sites across the region.
Cincinnati Preservation – formerly known as the Cincinnati Preservation Association – is a longstanding nonprofit that provides education about and advocacy for regional historic sites and structures.
The organization is creating the Greater Cincinnati’s Black and African American Historic Context Study to serve as a foundation for new National Register nominations
and Local Historic designations.
Executive Director Beth Johnson called the report a possible “huge step toward” ensuring numerous sites of Black history are not only saved from demolition but also receive recognition for “their cultural significance and rich heritage.”
Only 2% of protected sites in the United States have an association with Black history, Johnson said. Cincinnati Preservation has worked with local communities of color to change those figures locally through its Sites of Black History Initiative.
The report was made possible by funding from African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund ($50,000) and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation ($15,000).
cincinnatipreservation.org
Christ Hospital named No. 1 Cincy hospital for 10th straight year
The Christ Hospital has claimed the top spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best hospitals in Greater Cincinnati for the 10th straight year.
The Mount Auburn-based medical network also tied for fifth in Ohio for 2024-25. The second-ranked hospital in the region was St. Elizabeth Healthcare EdgewoodCovington Hospitals.
This year, the publication evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Only 11% of those hospitals earned a “Best Hospitals” ranking, including The Christ Hospital.
Christ Hospital and St. Elizabeth also received top ratings from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings List for 2024.
health.usnews.com
Union Baptist Cemetery is one of numerous historic Black sites Cincinnati Preservation is working to save.
Christ Hospital is the top-ranked hospital in Greater Cincinnati for the 10th straight year.
Cincinnati nonprofit serving teen mothers seeks help to finish facility
Rosemary’s Babies Co. – a Greater Cincinnati nonprofit serving teen mothers – needs to raise $400,000 to finish work on its facility in North Avondale.
The nonprofit purchased the building on the corner of Reading Road and Lenox Place in 2022 in the hopes of converting it into the Holloway House & Resource Center – a long-planned educational, wellness and transitional housing facility for teen moms and their babies.
The organization raised more than $1 million in six months and gained support from the city and the community to buy the property. The long-vacant property has received an exterior facelift, including new landscaping, a paint job and other work. Work has also started inside.
However, the Rosemary’s Babies board terminated its relationship with its former contractor in October 2023. Work has stopped pending legal action.
rosemarysbabies.co
BE NKY Growth grant to help fully reopen Purple People Bridge
The BE NKY Growth Partnership has committed an additional $62,500 toward repairs and updates to fully reopen the Purple People Bridge.
BE NKY Growth Partnership
– an economic development company for the region – agreed to transfer the funds to the City of Newport, through the Northern Kentucky Port Authority. These new funds match those previously committed by Newport city officials.
The combined $125,000 will go toward repair work to the pedestrian bridge. Officials partially closed the span May 19 after a piece of sandstone broke off on the Cincinnati side.
Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. stressed that this work is the first step in a much bigger bridge revitalization effort.
be-nky.com
CAC joins free Bloomberg Connects arts & culture app
The Contemporary Arts Center is the newest member of an arts and culture app designed to make exhibitions and collections more available to art lovers around the world.
CAC content is now available for free on Bloomberg Connects. The mobile platform allows users to explore more than 500 museums, galleries, sculpture parks, gardens and cultural spaces. It features behind-the-scenes guides and videos and audio featuring artists and museum experts.
CAC uploads include information about the historic Zaha Hadid-designed building, elements from current exhibitions, and details about The Sara M. and Patricia A. Vance UnMuseum and Creativity Center.
moversmakers.org
Rosemary’s Babies Co. needs roughly $400,000 to complete work on its Holloway House & Resource Center.
The Cincinnati May Festival named local singer and music educator Andrew Miller as its choral conducting fellow for the 2024-25 season. Miller, an incoming doctoral student at the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music, will spend the next year assisting May Festival leaders with a variety of chorus and operational duties.
Michael Goodson, a longtime curator and art professor, is the new director of the Alice F. and Harris K. Weston Art Gallery. Goodson has taught at Wright State and at Hunger College in New York City, and has held leadership roles at the Columbus College of Art & Design, the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus and The Contemporary Dayton. Current Weston Director Dennis Harrington is retiring at the end of August after a 29-year career with the Cincinnati Arts Association-run exhibition space.
Cincinnati Public Radio named Michael Krall as the new classical music director for 90.9 WGUC. Krall has more than 25 years of radio programming experience. He most recently served as interim program director for WAMU at American University Radio in Washington, D.C.
HealthPath Foundation of Ohio welcomed Kiana R. Trabue as its next president and secretary. Trabue has more than 20 years of public health experience. She most recently served as vice president of strategic partnerships and chief program officer with Bethesda Inc. and bi3.
A longtime nonprofit leader is the next executive director of Franciscan Ministries Inc Holly J. James joined the organization after serving as director of SW Regional Operations of the Children’s Hunger Alliance and as president/executive director of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati.
The Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio added a pair of legal experts to leadership positions. Western & Southern Financial Group vice president Kevin L. Howard, also the company’s deputy general counsel and head of government affairs, became a member of the PBPO board of directors Peter Draugelis, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, recently joined Grow PBPO, an advisory council of PBPO.
Friends of Music Hall has hired Nancy Knauf as its next executive director. Knauf, who has a background in both music and business, has extensive experience in marketing, managing events and relationship building. Knauf will receive administrative support from Julien Monick , who holds doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Executive Director Mindy Rosen is retiring after nearly five years.
Northside-based CAIN (Churches Active In Northside) has hired a longtime nonprofit leader with a strong program development background as its new executive director. Mark Mussman most recently worked to combat local homelessness at the Homeless Coalition.
The Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint a finance expert and Walnut Hills High School graduate to a vacant board position. James Crosset replaced Mike Moroski, who resigned in July. Crosset will serve the remainder of Moroski’s term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2025.
Dr. Katherine Schmidt was promoted to the role of chief medical officer at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services. Schmidt has been with GCBHS for over 12 years. She previously served as the organization’s medical director.
Cincinnati Art Club has three new officers on its board of trustees: Gary Eith, treasurer; Aleisa Yusko, communications/Dragonfly chair; and George Bodine, exhibition chair. The group brings years of creative life experience to the 134-year-old visual arts organization.
Donna Zaring is the new executive director of Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, a startup accelerator supporting social entrepreneurs. Zaring joins Flywheel from Cintrifuse, where she served as director of external relations and development for the past 2 1/2 years.
The Leadership Council for Nonprofits welcomed three new board members: Catrena Bowman, executive director of Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission; Thuy T. Kolik , vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services; and Kim M. Webb, executive director of the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky.
Thomas More University added three alumni to its board of trustees – Dr. James Horn of St. Elizabeth Healthcare; BakerHostetler LLP partner Scott McIntyre; and Frank Fritsch, the operating partner of private equity firm Cressey & Company. Fritsch also serves on the board of directors for Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey and on the finance committee of the historic Carmel Mission.
Matthew Lehn (not pictured) is the new vice president of the TriHealth Heart and Vascular Institute and Joint Venture Management. Lehn has served as CEO of the TriHealth Rehabilitation Hospital since 2019. In his new role, he’ll lead the strategic and clinical operations for the system’s cardiology services.
Former consultant Cheye Calvo (not pictured) is the next president and CEO of EducateNKY. Calvo is joining the nonprofit from C Squared Strategies in California. She’s replacing Tim Hanner, who’d served in the role since July 2023.
Dr. Katherine Schmidt
Andrew Miller
Frank Fritsch
Dr. James Horn
Donna Zaring
Thuy Kolik
Alesia Yusko Scott McIntyre
Kim M. Webb
George Bodine
Catrena Bowman Gary Eith
James Crosset
Mark Mussman
Julien Monick
Peter Draugelis Nancy Knauf
Kevin L. Howard
Holly J. James Kiana R. Trabue
Michael Krall Michael Goodson
Lynch Marek
Pam Weber
M. Patricia Rosely
Barbara Turner
Payton Obert
AFP announces 2024 National Philanthropy Day honorees
The Cincinnati chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor outstanding community service for 2024 National Philanthropy Day at a Nov. 21 luncheon at the Music Hall Ballroom.
Philanthropist of the Year: Sherie Lynch Marek
“We have all had help getting to where we are today,” Sherie Lynch Marek said, “and as responsible members of the community, we can make a difference and help impact generations to come through our own generosity of spirit.” She has made her impact through involvement that is wide and deep, including fundraising and the boards of Cincinnati Art Museum, Horticultural Society, Cincinnati Ballet, May Festival, Cincinnati Opera, Dress for Success, Cancer Family Care, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and many more.
Volunteer of the Year: Pam Weber
Pam Weber, a senior VP at PNC Real Estate, has been a guest speaker/case judge at the University of Cincinnati, and is a member of the UC Real Estate Roundtable. At Easterseals Redwood, Weber is a board member and Development Committee chair. She’s on the boards of YWCA of Greater Cincinnati and the Catalytic Development Fund of Northern Kentucky, and on 3CDC’s Asset Committee.
Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising: M. Patricia Rosely
M. Patricia (Patty) Rosely has spent 40 years in nonprofit management. As chief development officer at OneSource Center, Beech Acres, Playhouse in the Park and others, she has created and implemented development plans. Rosely’s fundraising superpower is special campaigns to celebrate agency milestones, plus women’s philanthropy and identifying and cultivating unexpected major gifts. Her favorite volunteer role is mentor for early-career fundraisers.
Outstanding Corporation/Foundation: BT RISE – Barbara Turner
In 2023, Barbara Turner launched BT RISE to help others access resources to achieve financial security and independence. As CEO, Turner leverages her extensive corporate and community leadership experience, along with her deep expertise in financial services, to provide advisory services, review business plans and offer capital for new and emerging organizations.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Payton Obert
Payton Obert is the founder of Payton’s Lemonade Stand and a seventh grader at Saint Ignatius of Loyola School. In 2018, at age 6, Payton hosted her first lemonade stand in her driveway and donated the proceeds to charity. That lemonade stand has evolved into a successful nonprofit that has given away over $2.5 million since its inception in 2021. Payton has inspired thousands of kids to give back to their communities through their own lemonade stands.
Cincinnati Opera closed its season with “To Sir, With Love,” a Paul McCartney-inspired celebration following Cincinnati Opera’s world stage premiere of Sir Paul’s “Liverpool Oratorio.” The event welcomed 450 revelers to Music Hall Ballroom and more than doubled its fundraising goal, netting approximately $155,000. The funds support the production costs of McCartney’s “Liverpool Oratorio.”
Co-chairs were Barbara Hahn, Ronna Willis and Jeannine Winkelmann. Jim Stapleton was design chair and Regina Carswell Russo was PR/communications adviser.
cincinnatiopera.org
and Anne-
A guitar ice sculpture was the centerpiece of the ballroom.
Surrounding “Sir Paul” – Regina Carswell Russo, Melanie Chavez, Jeannine Winkelmann, Barbara Hahn, Jim Stapleton and Ronna Willis
Peg Wyant, Allen Zaring and Anne Zaring
Liz Grubow, Jerry Kathman, Donna Weinberg and Richard Vogel
Walter Bruyninckx
Marie Blancquaert
Helen Pascual, Bobby Pascual, Millie Huffman, Doc Huffman, Anne Wheeler and Richard Wheeler
Katie Blackburn, Kathleen Wilkins, Chris Milligan, Molly Milligan and Sheila Cole
Cincinnati Opera adds social events to performances
It was a season of celebration as Cincinnati Opera hosted its 2024 Summer Festival. In addition to its slate of performances, the company hosted gatherings of artists and supporters beyond the stage.
Dr. Beatriz Porras and Dr. Alvaro Ryes hosted an alfresco evening for donors with the cast and creative team of “La Traviata.”
Also in conjunction with “La Traviata,” the company hosted its 15th annual Pride Night, featuring a disco vibe and performances by drag artists at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio, partial proceeds from which supported Caracole Inc.
cincinnatiopera.org
MacDowell Society honors Larry Kellar and Pam Myers
Cincinnati MacDowell Society hosted 94 attendees at its annual meeting and dinner at the Queen City Club. Pianist Terry LaBolt, along with vocalists Thom Dreeze (also CMS president), Ava Kellar and Pam Myers, performed in honor of the late Larry Kellar. Larry Kellar’s many gifts of time and treasure have helped sustain CMS for decades and the generosity of both Larry and Barbara Kellar continue to sustain activities in support of the arts and artists in Cincinnati.
Barbara Kellar followed the performance in honor of her late husband with a presentation of the society’s MacDowell Medal to her dear friend and Broadway legend, Cincinnati’s Pam Myers.
cincymacdowell.square.site
“La Traviata” al fresco dinner: Lorenzo Passerini, Gilda Fiume, Dr. Beatriz Porras, Santiago Ballerini, Dr. Alvaro Ryes, Chris Milligan, Alex Amsel and Elena Kholodova
Jonathan Egel and Michael Powell
Nia Spaulding, Demetrious Sampson Jr., Dejah Watts and Giovani Malcolm
Brett Willson and John Fredeking II
Will Reed and drag artist Alana Reign
Kenny Fisher, Diane Bitter, Bob Bitter and Bettina Bellucci
Pam Myers with her MacDowell Medal
Observatory opens exhibit highlighting women in astronomy
The Cincinnati Observatory’s new exhibit, “The Brightest Stars: The Legacy of Cincinnati’s Women Astronomers,” opened with an invitation-only reception of Greater Cincinnati women leaders. The exhibit, which highlights unsung female heroes of the institution’s 180year history, is open to the public and will run through early 2025.
“Women have historically been disenfranchised in many fields, especially in STEM,” said Observatory Assistant Collections Manager Mandy Askins. “Bridging the gender gap starts with giving women the recognition they deserve.” Askins is curating the exhibit along with Observatory board member Sean Andres, who also runs a blog on key women in Cincinnati history called “Queens of the Queen City.”
The Cincinnati Observatory, known as “The Birthplace of American Astronomy,” houses one of the oldest working telescopes in the world, and was the first public observatory in the Western Hemisphere.
cincinnatiobservatory.org
THANK YOU to our generous sponsors for a spectacular 2024 season.
Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust
Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation
Fullgraf Foundation
Unnewehr
Corbett
The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation
Observatory board members Emily Wallace, Cheryl Cowan, Anna Coutts, Kelly Mills and Alicia Culman attended the opening.
Emily Stephenson, John Pinney and Lyn Marsteller
Cincinnati City Council member Anna Albi chats with Observatory Executive Director Anna Hehman.
(Standing) Anna Hehman, Mandy Askins, Samantha Pepper, Nicole Capella and Jill Schleibaum; (kneeling) Emmy Bursk, Mika Smith, Natalia Tooley and Kelsey Stryffe
Spencer Awards honor nonprofits, business
The Cincinnatus Association’s Donald and Marian Spencer Spirit of America Awards Dinner honored five Cincinnati area nonprofits and businesses for promoting diversity and inclusion. More than 400 people attended the ninth annual event at the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency.
The awards, named for two of Cincinnati’s civil rights pioneers, highlighted these organizations and educated attendees on the work the organizations are doing.
This year’s awardees – four nonprofits and one forprofit – are Beechacres Parenting Center, Findlay Market , Good Samaritan Free Health Center, SuperSeeds and First Financial Bank
The Cincinnatus Association and its members initiate, recognize, participate in and promote projects that improve the quality of life for all citizens in the Greater Cincinnati region.
cincinnatusassoc.org
Avondale
Eric Kearney, CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce; emcee Courtis Fuller; Cincinnati Council member Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney; Alice Schneider, Cincinnatus vice president
Accepting the awards: Rodney McCullough, First Financial’s chief corporate responsibility officer; Linda Smith Berry of Good Samaritan Free Health Center; Dawn Merritt, director of community access at Beech Acres Parenting Center; Candice Tolbert, SuperSeeds executive director; and Kelly Lanser, Findlay Market president and CEO
Alice Schneider, Cincinnatus vice president; Susan Noonan, Spencer Awards Dinner chair; Rhonda Holyfield Mangieri, Cincinnatus Association president
UC Marian Spencer Scholars with program director Cindy Jones, center left
Jane Simon, Hamilton County Judge Kari Bloom and Spencer dinner chair Susan Noonan
Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey, Deputy Robin Pearl and Major Jackie Reed
Jessica Holt and Rayshun Holt
Julia Hairston, director of the
Development Corp. and former awardee; Russell Hairston; Cincinnatus panel chair Valerie Dailey
Laura Mitchell, CEO of BeechAcres; Cincinnatus board member Alpacino Beauchamp; BeechAcres Parenting Center, Ms. Beauchamp
Eric Kearney, CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce; Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus; Ohio state Rep. Dani Isaacson; David Noonan
Photos by Michael szaz
Warren County Foundation presents 2024 service awards
The Warren County Foundation presented six prizes at its 17th annual Community Service Awards. The ceremony, held at the Manor House in Mason, included a social hour, food stations and a special presentation by the Springboro Wind Symphony.
Foundation board Chair Dale Brunner emceed the event. Ohio state Sen. Steve Wilson and state Rep. Scott Lipps presented proclamations to award recipients.
The Warren County Foundation’s mission is to encourage and facilitate charitable giving in Warren County.
Community Service Award winners were:
WCF Community Service Awards winners: Mike Schaltz from Heritage at Miami Bluffs Men’s Club; Jennifer Maynard, Karen Lane DeRosa and Tony DeRosa of Class 101; Amy McDonald from MANE; Michael Coyan from the Warren County Historical Society; and Jackson Hedges
• George R. Henkle Philanthropy & Community Service Award: Jackson Hedge s
• Emerging Leader: Jennifer Maynard
• Outstanding Organization: Warren County Historical Society
• Emerging Organization: Heritage at Miami Bluffs Men’s Club
• Outstanding Large Business: MANE
• Outstanding Small Business: Class 101
warrencountyfoundation.org
M&M’s Mix & Mingle is for connecting
It was making-friends hour, makingconnections hour and making-conversation hour at Movers & Makers’ July happy hour at Home Court Tavern on Riverside Drive. The always-casual event featured beverages, light bites and interesting people.
This month, come join M&M readers, staff and lots of nonprofit leaders and supporters. It’ll be Sept. 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Cincinnati Ballet’s home, 1801 Gilbert Ave.
July cover feature Jennifer Loeb with Matthew Coffey, both of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati
Mary C. Miller of Norwood Together, Carol Roundtree, and Missy Fisher of Women Helping Women
Peg Moertl and Katie Oney
Mark Scott with M&M’s Elizabeth Mariner and John Harrison
LeAnne Anklan and Helene Herbert, both of Great Parks
Megan Marshall of Adopt A Class and Melissa Marie of La Soupe
Beth Benson of Leadership Council for Nonprofits and Spencer Bartby of Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas
Paul Gaitan and Meg Fiora
Courtney Burgtorf of Adopt-A-Class
Nat Chaitkin of 4-Way String Quartet with Eric Allen
Candyse Jeffries and Diane Kidd
M&M’s Thom Mariner flanked by Ri Moodie and Bridget Leak of Know Theatre
Rodney De Iorio with Janine De Iorio of Great Parks
Elisabeth Metzidis with Charlotte Boenker of NKY Children’s Advocacy Center
Dragonfly celebrates opening of new center for families
The Dragonfly Foundation recently celebrated the grand opening of The Farmer Family Dragonfly Center, which adds 3,322 square feet to its facility to better support families facing pediatric cancer.
The new space is designed for families to come and enjoy their time together and includes a library nook, arts and crafts area, gaming center, kitchenette and a gathering spot for relaxation. There is also a new volunteer work center.
The next phase in Dragonfly’s renovation campaign will involve adding a fully operational kitchen and creating a dedicated family sanctuary space on the third floor of the main house.
Since 2010, Dragonfly has supported over 7,700 patients and families through partnering with children’s hospitals in Cincinnati and Chicago. This expanded space will enable Dragonfly to serve even more families in the future.
dragonfly.org
Megan Jackson, Dragonfly vice president of development, and Bob Brown, Dragonfly board chair
Ben Vest; Kim Slater; Annemarie Henkel, Farmer Family Foundation; Ohio state Rep. Dani Isaacsohn; Christine Neitzke, Dragonfly executive director; Mary Beth Martin, Farmer Family Foundation; Laura Dunderman, The Spaulding Foundation; Neena Volk and Billy Volk, Whiskey and Wishes; Ann Ramer, Ohio Department of Health
Dragonfly Farmer Family Center
Dr. Stella Davies from Cincinnati
SATURDAY 6:30PM CET
SUNDAY 8:30PM CET ARTS
Join Barbara Kellar as she showcases artists and cultural leaders from the Greater Cincinnati community.
The Hinds family, a Dragonfly family
Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Matt Neitzke and Laurel Markley, Dragonfly board member
Dragonfly Executive Director Christine Neitzke and Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram
Dragonfly families at play
Longworth-Anderson hosts concerts by Pokey LaFarge, Ravi Coltrane
The Longworth-Anderson Series concluded the first half of its 10-concert season with performances by Pokey LaFarge and Ravi Coltrane at Memorial Hall.
The pre-event receptions for the two concerts featured live music from Jordan Smart and the Myles Ellington Twitty Quartet, light bites from Ollie’s Trolley and N.Y.P.D. Pizza, and craft beer tastings from HighGrain Brewing Co. Concert sponsors were Carl and Margo Hall, The Robinson Family Philanthropic Fund and an anonymous donor.
www.longworth-andersonseries.com
Notre Dame, Bengals coaches help out Cornette Foundation
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame head football coach and former University of Cincinnati assistant, and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor were special guests at a weekend of fundraising to benefit the Joel Cornette Foundation.
A rooftop reception at the Vista at Lytle Hotel downtown preceded the foundation’s sixth annual golf outing at Coldstream Country Club. Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones joined the group for golf. The foundation honors Joel Cornette, a St. Xavier High School and Butler University basketball star who died at age 35 of heart disease. It raises awareness and funding to study, predict and prevent sudden cardiac arrest among athletes. It has made a $1 million investment to support youth sport CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) awareness and training.
thejoelcornettefoundation.org
ESPN’s Elle Duncan and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor
Jordan Cornette, brother of Joel, and Notre Dame head coach
Marcus Freeman, a former UC Bearcat assistant
Kalie Hamilton and Brittany Hamilton
Bill Pierson, Pete Effler, Patty Pierson and Mary Effler
The Ravi Coltrane pre-concert reception entertainment was provided by the Myles Ellington Twitty Quartet.
Pete Robinson, Iris Winburn, Roland Winburn and Bill Baumann
Emma Smith and Nesyah Yisrael
Douglas Prather and Douglas Edwards
Bob Cheney and Sue Cheney
The Pokey LaFarge preconcert reception featured live music from Jordan Smart.
NKY Young Professionals honor emerging leaders
The NKY Chamber’s Northern Kentucky Young Professionals celebrated emerging leaders in the region at the Next Generation Leader Awards at the Madison Event Center.
The event recognized award winners’ professional accomplishments, leadership and community impact. Chad Bilz, vice president at Houchens Insurance Group, received the 2024 NKYP Legend Award, given to a community leader who inspires leadership and career success among young professionals. Winners in each category:
• Arts, Entertainment & Hospitality: Evin Blomberg , musician, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
• Education: Zac Strobl, director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Northern Kentucky University
• Entrepreneurship: Hannah Meredith, senior manager of strategic innovation, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport
• Medical & Healthcare Services: Poornima Gopalan, clinical research associate II, CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services
• Professional Services: Ashley Sexton, owner/ attorney, Sexton Law
• Public Relations, Media and Marketing: Austin Dunbar, principal, Durham Brand & Co.
• Public Service and Community-Based Organizations: Samantha Mosby, executive director, Campbell County Branch, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
• Skilled Trades: Brad Seiter, regional implementation manager, Duke Energy
nkychamber.com/leadership/nkyp
Point/Arc draws record number of foursomes for Dyas Golf Classic
A father and son were members of the foursome that won The Point/Arc’s first Mike Dyas Golf Classic at Triple Crown Country Club, in Union, Kentucky. Ed Baker, 88, and his son Rob, 59, were half of the foursome that captured the tournament with a 48 net score – 24 under par. Tim Tierney and George Schmidt were the other two members. A record 31 foursomes – 124 golfers – participated.
This was the 34th golf classic for The Point/Arc, but this year the tournament was renamed The Mike Dyas Classic. Dyas, who was president and CEO of Sterling Cut Glass from 1976-2021, was “a long-time supporter and former board member for us at The Point/Arc,” said Judi Gerding, founder and president of The Point/Arc. Dyas passed away last year at the age of 76, and his son, Brook, is now president of Sterling Cut Glass. The Point/Arc, a nonprofit based in Covington, provides opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It was founded in 1972 by a group of parents fighting for the educational rights of their children.
thepointarc.org
NGLA Professional Services winner Ashley Sexton
NKYP Chair Jimmy Beatrice
Legend Award winner Chad Bilz, center, with Chamber President Brent Cooper and NKYP Chair Jimmy Beatrice
Brook Dyas, back left, with the winning foursome – Rob Baker, Ed Baker, Tim Tierney, George Schmidt – and golf chairman Andy VonLehman
NGLA winners Poornima Gopalan, Evin Blomberg, Samantha Mosby, Zac Strobl, Brad Seiter, Austin Dunbar and Hannah Meredith
Photos by b en g astright
Better Together Conference 2024
Fatherless to Fearless, an organization that serves teen girls with strained or fatherless relationships, held its first Better Together Conference at the Cintas Center.
Keynote speaker LeToya Luckett, actress and singer formerly of Destiny’s Child, shared her heartfelt story about growing up without a father and the challenges she faced with her mother. She opened up about her journey after leaving Destiny’s Child and the importance of supporting one another as women.
Speaker Shantel Thomas led participants in activities to help them navigate coping and connection amid life’s challenges. Mothers and daughters asked each other meaningful questions and tackled important topics such as self-confidence, mental health, and how to maintain healthy communication both inside and outside the home.
fromfatherlesstofearless.org
shared
The Point/Arc opens campaign with stories of gratitude
Some 250 friends, donors and members of The Point/Arc family shared stories at a capital campaign kickoff dinner at Turfway Park’s Event Center. Point/Arc aims to raise $10 million.
Families opened their hearts and explained how the 52-year-old nonprofit changed their lives.
The Point/Arc helps individuals with intellectual and developmental differences reach their potential with education, residential, social and vocational services.
John and June Farrell, parents of twins Katie and Diane, said Sept. 30 last year was a “blessed day” for them. That’s the day their girls – both diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic condition – moved into a residential home together near the Farrells’ Edgewood home.
“The girls love it,” the parents said. “They’re involved with special dances, basketball as well as music, which they love.”
thepointarc.org
Emcee Liz Bonis of Local 12 and Judi Gerding, founder and president of Point/Arc
Tom Schu, endowment chair; Trent Lucas, Advanced Care Home chair; and Lee Scheben, Adult Day Care chair and president of Heritage Bank
Judi Gerding, founder and president of Point/Arc, at the capital campaign kickoff dinner at Turfway Park’s Event Center
LeToya Luckett and Kristie Jenkins discussed the challenges for mothers navigating through divorce.
Mother and daughter attendees joined breakout sessions.
Speaker Shantel Thomas
Attendees take a picture with speaker Michelle Henderson (rear left, in pink).
Attendees
experiences and built connections during the event.
Speaker Michelle Henderson (foreground) dances with attendees.
Main Street Ventures celebrates 25 years of supporting entrepreneurs
Main Street Ventures celebrated 25 years of empowering entrepreneurs with an event at the Woodward Theater. The event kicked off with speeches from Executive Director Sean Parker, founder and board member George Molinsky and Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram.
Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece and Cincinnati City Council members Mark Jeffreys and Meeka Owens declared “Main Street Ventures Day.”
The celebration featured a showcase of Greater Cincinnati businesses that have received funding and support, plus commissioned artwork by local artists showcasing the organization’s evolution.
Since 1999, Main Street Ventures has supported local entrepreneurs and small businesses with equity-free funding, community connections and programming for startups across the Tristate.
mainstventures.org
September 8 at Noon through September 15 at 9pm Find certificates for local restaurants, Jungle Jim’s gift cards, travel opportunities, wine and more. Bid High and Bid Often!
CETconnect.org/action-auction/
Raven’s Creations Catering
Ohio state Sen. Catherine Ingram and Sean Parker
Kelly Bonnell, MSV board president, and Sean Parker, executive director
Shawn Reynolds, Dave Noonan and board member George Molinsky
Rosanna Ruwe of Lulu’s Sweets Boutique
Henry Pease and David Pease of Rekkie with an intern
Hamilton County commissioners Denise Driehaus (left) and Alicia Reece (center front) with Main Street Ventures team members: Sean Parker, Brianna Dzuricsko, Abby Ober and Jazmine Mosby Dawn Grady of Junebug Jewelry
Golf outing supports Adopt A Class
Adopt A Class hosted its inaugural Golf Outing at Great Parks of Hamilton County's The Mill Course. About 100 mentors and supporters enjoyed a fun-filled day on the green, networked with other organizations and supported AAC.
Adopt A Class connects more than 4,000 mentors from more than 200 businesses and civic groups with 10,000 area students to mentor them in career and life skills.
aacmentors.org
Cincinnati hosts finish of statewide ride to help cancer patients
The 2024 Pan Ohio Hope Ride concluded at Yeatman’s Cove in Cincinnati with nearly 300 riders crossing the finish line, completing over 328 miles in four days. Those riders surpassed a goal to raise $1 million ($1,021,671 to date) to support the Cleveland Hope Lodge, which provides a home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers.
In its 18th year, Pan Ohio is a bicycle tour of Ohio from Cleveland to Cincinnati with overnight stays at college campuses. Fifty-seven riders raised more than $5,000 each, with 16 participants topping the $10,000 mark.
American Cancer Society’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. William Dahut, who has raised $36,675, is one of the event’s top three fundraisers, along with the late Jim Bond, whose wife Kathleen co-founded the event. Bond, Rider 007, died in December 2023 after a 30-plus-year battle with cancer.
pohr.org
Car show drives Miracle League’s quest to help all kids play ball
The Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields hosted the 10th annual Cruise In For Kids Car Show, raising more than $25,000 to ensure individuals with physical and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to play baseball and pursue other recreational opportunities.
More than 250 cars were entered, with awards presented to winners across nine categories and plaques given to the top 40 cars. Admission was free, with more than 1,000 guests attending. The event featured appearances by former Cincinnati Reds batboy Teddy Kremer, Mr. Red and the organization’s mascot, Joey The Can-Do Kangaroo.
The Miracle League is dedicated to the idea that “every child or adult, with every challenge, should get every chance to play baseball.”
nuxhallmiracleleague.org
José C. Buenaga, ACS 2024 national board member, and Kathleen Bond, Ohio/ West Virginia area board member and cofounder of Pan Ohio, pose at the start line. The 007 on each jersey was in memory of Jim Bond, who wore that number during rides while battling cancer.
Justin Dobbs, Evan Clinkenbeard, Paul Wischer and Kyle Snider at the outing at The Mill Course
Dexter Ponder, Bruce Gallo, Bill Burwinkel, Art Gumble and Mike Murray at Adopt A Class’ inaugural Golf Outing
Ben Heil and his mother, Melissa, embrace at the finish line. Ben lost his father, Andy, in 2021 and rides in his memory.
Mr. Red poses for a photo with Trip Beatty. Cars on display at the Cruise In For Kids Car Show
JNMLF All-Star Ayden Hingsbergen checks out the more than 250 cars on display at the show.
Kim Nuxhall, Nuxhall Foundation president and board chair, recognizes event chairman Steve Crain, who is retiring after 10 years of leading the show.
Cincinnati Art Club’s summer program teach kids basics of art
Cincinnati Art Club recently held its summer program ART for Kids, in which students met for three days each week to learn the basics of artistic development that enhance creativity.
Third- and fourth-grade students focused on seven basic elements of art: line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space. Fifth- and sixthgrade students focused on the seven principles of art: balance, contrast, unity, harmony, pattern, movement and proportion/scale.
The club received grants from ArtsWave, Cincinnati Public Schools and the National Endowment for the summer program.
Established in 1890, the Cincinnati Art Club fosters knowledge and love for the visual arts through education.
cincinnatiartclub.org/2024-art-for-kids
Job fair at zoo showcases careers in horticulture
High school students from the Groundwork Ohio River Valley Green Team learned about careers in horticulture at a job fair hosted by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Before the fair, about 150 Groundwork youth employees spent two months doing environmental restoration, ornamental horticulture, urban agriculture and invasive plant removal. Groundwork staff helped attendees prepare resumes and practice communication skills to make the most of meeting potential employers.
Vendors interacting with students included: Cincinnati Park Board, Great Parks of Hamilton County, Civic Garden Center
of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Groundworks, Boone County Arboretum, OSU Extension Hamilton County, UK Extension Campbell County, UC-DAAP, Cincinnati State, Stride Studios, Green City Resources, Wimberg Landscaping and Terrace Park Country Club.
cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/ job-opportunities
TQL sponsors dog and cat adoptions at employee event
TQL employees adopted 15 dogs and 10 cats from SPCA Cincinnati during the company’s fifth annual Shed the Love event at their headquarters in Eastgate. TQL covered pet adoption costs, $70 for dogs and $50 for cats.
The event offered an opportunity for hundreds of TQL employees to play with the animals while mingling with coworkers.
For the third year, TQL is sponsoring one SPCA Cincinnati dog adoption per day in 2024.
spcacincinnati.org
Reds fans’ food donations help ‘Strike Out Hunger’
Cincinnati Reds fans donated 8,146 pounds of non-perishable food during St. Vincent de Paul’s annual “Strike Out Hunger” food drive at Great American Ball Park. That’s enough food to provide over 6,800 meals to neighbors in need.
The collected food will be distributed through SVDP’s Catino Choice Food Pantry, located inside the Neyer Outreach Center in Cincinnati’s West End, and through SVDP’s
network of 13 parish-based food pantries.
More families are turning to SVDP’s food pantries for assistance than ever. SVDP is serving nearly 100 families each day in the Catino pantry.
For more than 150 years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has cared for neighbors in need throughout Cincinnati and Hamilton County by providing assistance with food, clothing, rent, utilities, prescription medications and much more.
SVDPcincinnati.org
Bethany House celebrates anniversary with cookout
Bethany House Services, the leading provider of service for homeless families in Greater Cincinnati, hosted its Anniversary Cookout in celebration of 41 years of serving the community.
The event at Bethany House commemorated the opening of its doors in 1983 by bringing together families, friends, neighbors and supporters. Highlights included games and activities for children and adults.
More than 300 attendees, including over 60 volunteers, enjoyed grilled food, music by DJ Pillo, dancing and dance performances by local groups, root beer floats provided by BJ’s Brew House, popsicles, face painting, temporary tattoos, a bounce house, a waterslide and more.
Bethany House Services offers homelessness prevention, emergency shelter and post-shelter support, focusing on re-housing families for long-term stability.
bethanyhouseservices.org
An art demonstration by Marin McFadden at the Cincinnati Art Club’s summer program for kids
High school students learned about careers in horticulture and connected with employers at a job fair hosted by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Volunteers Mary Jewell and Robyn Petersman collect food at St. Vincent de Paul’s annual “Strike Out Hunger” drive at Great American Ball Park.
Kids and adults had plenty of fun at Bethany House Services Anniversary Cookout.
TQL employees adopted 15 dogs and 10 cats from SPCA Cincinnati during the company’s fifth annual Shed the Love event.
Train of thought: A long rail trip mirrors the journey of grief and healing
ThreeAmtrak routes cross the United States from Chicago to the West Coast. There’s the Empire Builder across the northern U.S., the California Zephyr, taking the middle route, and the Southwest Chief across Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico and Arizona.
The California Zephyr not only has the best name (a zephyr is a fresh breeze), but is considered the most scenic, crossing the Great Plains and the Rockies.
I have a deeply fond childhood connection to the train; my six-kid family would travel from Indiana to California on the Zephyr, sleeping two nights in our coach seats. Train whistles still remind me of seeing antelope out the observation car windows, and the collections of Classics Illustrated Comic Books that my mom stockpiled before
we left.
But it’s my husband Neil who has a real attraction to rail travel. Partly it’s on mass-transit principle, partly how a train takes you through the scenery, often much closer to the landscape than when you’re in a car. It’s slower than flying and easier than driving the whole way.
We had to cancel a trip on the Empire Builder last year,and the credit was burning a hole in his pocket. I didn’t want to leave my mother for longer than a week, so we decided to fly to San Francisco, spend four days there with my sisters, three days back on the train. I was on board with this, so to speak, but mostly along for the ride.
Then my mother died. Not exactly suddenly. She was in good health for 95. But something happened in her brain one day, which
NEW!
led to 10 days in the emergency room, hospital and hospice. The last bit really was sudden. In an instant, the before is separated from the after.
If you have kept vigil in a hospital, you know how wearying and sad it can be. After it was over and the immediate tasks were done, the upcoming train trip started to look good to me. I could hole up at home for a couple of weeks. Then I would leave and return to an altered life.
The Zephyr moves at an average speed of 55 mph. Close up, the view goes by fast, and if you shift to closer focus, you can see your reflection in the window loom in front of the landscape. At a distance it seems slow and grand, a good setting for a contemplative mood. My grief was shifting inside of me – I was easily distracted from it, so I was glad to sit with it for a while and pay attention. The rocking of the train and the lack of activities were slow and meditative.
We started in the Bay Area, where Mom was born and grew up. We climbed up to the Sierras, where she spent most every summer of her life. I remembered that she took a train to Lawrence, Kansas, after she left Occidental College after two years and transferred to the University of Kansas because she wanted to break out of her familiar environment. And I marveled, as I often do, at how she and my father took on the job of putting six kids on the train for three days. They were made of tougher stuff.
Polly Campbell
She loved the red rocks of Utah, and they were the scenic highlight for me. One evening, we watched their sculpted shapes as the sun went down. Often, my mind would go out into the desert, catching a few glimpses of antelope and elk, imagining the original natives of this land, and the pioneers traveling West – all the human endeavor and tragedy we understand as the American story.
I found myself wondering about things. Are we each central and important like my reflection in the window, or just tiny, forgotten humans struggling across the Great Plains? The story of my mother’s life, and our relationship, was looming large. I was thinking of how I wished I’d done things differently in the last year and a half, respooling some of the dramas between us throughout my life, and wondering about parts of her life I hadn’t been part of. I knew it eventually all needed to take its place in the middistance. But I didn’t want the story of her life being put away, becoming anonymous, too soon after it ended. We heard lots of stories on the train. At every meal in the dining car, we sat facing two other passengers. Often, they launched into their life story, unbidden. We got the story of “my life in air conditioning sales.” And “how I rode my bike across the country in sections.” Our favorite was two unrelated men who told their stories contrapuntally, never looking at each other. One was about a regimented, eventful, lucky life as a military intelligence officer. The other was a tale of unfinished degrees, failed marriage, abandoned businesses and drug addiction and recovery. We had no need to speak; we listened to them like we watched the passing landscape.
I don’t know why this would work as grief therapy, but somehow it did. The loss of an elderly parent is not tragic, but I’m finding it a slow and unpredictable shifting of loss, love, regret, relief and occasional onslaughts of tears triggered by something unexpected.
In other words, it’s a journey. A stately, transcontinental journey.
Polly Campbell writes monthly on a variety of topics, and she welcomes your feedback and column suggestions at editor@moversmakers.org
our communities are our greatest investment.
KeyBank has expanded its National Community Plan to more than $40 billion to support the growth and health of our communities. Our goals are big -- to help new businesses get started, to create more home ownership opportunities, to support community development projects, and to promote safe, thriving neighborhoods. And that’s just the beginning. Go to key.com/community to learn more or reach out to Jennifer Damiano about the Greater Cincinnati region.
Jennifer Damiano Cincinnati Market President 513-830-1169
