February 2026

February 2026

Developing the region’s workforce

Pam Green leads Easterseals Redwood

The Chamber’s

Audrey Treasure

Nonprofits working at the forefront

Steve Loftin:

30 years guiding The Aronoff

Movers &Makers

February 2026

Publisher’s Letter 4

Arts & Culture 6

MoversMakers.org

What’s new at the museums: CAC, CAM and Taft 6

Aronoff’s Steve Loftin on 30 years of guiding change

| By David Lyman 8

The A/C List 10

FOCUS ON: Workforce development 18

Pam Green, Easterseals Redwood position clients for workplace success | By John Faherty 18

Chamber’s Audrey Treasure connects region to jobs

| By Shauna Steigerwald 20

Nonprofits nurturing region’s workforce 22

The Datebook 26

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

Gifts & Grants 30

Nonprofit News 32

Names in the News 34

Snapshots 36

Nutcracker Luncheon serves sweet treat for Ballet 36

‘Champions’ saluted at 4C gala 37

NKY Chamber Summit geared to career women 38

The Abercrumbie Group recognizes Men of Honor 38

CABVI taps The Force with ‘Star Wars’ dinner 39

Women Walking West marks decade 40

Leadership Council peers into future 41

Easterseals Redwood seeks brighter tomorrow 42

Adventure Crew celebrates communing with nature 43

Learning Grove gala focuses on education 44

Cuisine Art Cocktails connects food, art for CAC 45

UC Foundation spotlights philanthropy volunteers 46

Talbert House looks at possiblities for its camp 47

Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate Price Hill center 48

AFP fetes honorees at NPD Luncheon 49

The Last Word 50

Polly Campbell: The bittersweet nature of aging

Notlong ago, we explored whether higher education’s purpose is to prepare employees for the workforce or to shape better human beings. But what about those who do not, or cannot, attend college? How do they gain the skills needed to compete in a complex work environment? That’s where nonprofits can shine – and those organizations are our focus this month.

Pam Green leads what is now one of the largest nonprofits in the region, especially in terms of employees. Easterseals in Ohio merged with Redwood in Kentucky several years ago to form a broad-based nonprofit helping people thrive – personally and professionally – in 21st-century America. John Faherty shares Pam’s story and how the organization contributes. (Page 18).

The Cincinnati Regional Chamber also plays a role in workforce development, helping nonprofits and organizations refine

their services. Audrey Treasure leads that effort, and Shauna Steigerwald gives us a glimpse into both the process and Audrey’s journey to this important role. (Page 20)

In October 1995, the Aronoff Center for the Arts opened on Walnut Street, transforming a city block. Thom’s a cappella group back then, VoiceBox, had the thrill of performing during opening week alongside dozens of other organizations. Today, the Aronoff thrives thanks to the vision and leadership of Steve Loftin, who has been there since day one. David Lyman talks with Steve about how he and his team have stood the test of time – and continue to captivate audiences. (Page 8)

Co-publishers Elizabeth and Thom

Elizabeth & Thom Mariner, co-publishers

Digital edition & daily posts MoversMakers.org

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@moversmakerscincinnati

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News/calendar submissions editor@moversmakers.org

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

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Elizabeth Mariner, emariner@moversmakers.org

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Speaking of tests of time, Polly Campbell recently entered her eighth decade. This month, she reflects on the bittersweetness of

Publishing schedule

FEB 27 MARCH 25

MARCH 27 APRIL 22 JUNE APRIL 24 MAY 20

JULY MAY 29 JUNE 24

AUGUST JUNE 26 JULY 22

SEPTEMBER JULY 31 AUG 26

OCTOBER AUG. 28 SEPT 23

NOVEMBER OCT 2 OCT 28 DEC ’26 / JAN ’27 OCT 30 NOV 25  moversmakers.org/publishing-schedule

at Music Hall for a recent Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performance © Copyright 2026 Movers & Makers Publishing

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

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

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 an Ohio nonprofit operating under 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship.

aging in her Last Word column. (Page 50)

As we move into a new year filled with uncertainty, please know you can count on Movers & Makers. We aim to make our 31st year our biggest and best, and you can help us meet that goal. Use us. Advocate for us. Support us. Help us help you.

Thom

Mariner & Elizabeth Mariner, co-publishers

• Casey Weldon, digital editor

• Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors

• Shasta Taber, volunteer proofreader

• All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos. For their work on this issue, our gratitude to:

Support comes from:

Jaeden Izik-Dzurko PIANO

Sunday, March 8, 2026

“…one of Canada’s most exciting classical music talents.”

— Anthony Miller, Maclean’s

• In 2024, winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition, recipient of the Dame Fanny Waterman Gold Medal and awarded a BorlettiBuitoni Trust Fellowship

• In 2022, first prize winner of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, the Maria Canals International Music Competition and the 20th Paloma O’Shea Santander International Piano Competition

• An experienced recitalist, he performs internationally, with performances widely broadcast

Ziggy & Miles

DUO

Sunday, March 29, 2026

“Personable, relaxed and utterly winning.”

— Limelight

• Australian brothers who became the first guitar duo to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions

• Have over 50 awards between them in guitar competitions

• First Australians and first guitar duo accepted into—and graduated from—The Juilliard School’s prestigious Artist Diploma program

• Their album, Sidekick, was featured as one of New York’s WQXR’s “Best New Classical Albums of 2023”

Tickets: MemorialHallOTR.org or 513-977-8838

MatineeMusicaleCincinnati.org

Arts & Culture

Taft hosts rare exhibition of etchings by Rembrandt

An exhibition of nearly 50 rarely shown etchings by the great Rembrandt van Rijn, not displayed outside of the Netherlands for nearly 30 years, comes to the Taft Museum of Art on Feb. 7.

“Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black and White,” organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Rembrandt House Museum – the 17th-century artist’s former home and studio in Amsterdam – features portraits, self-portraits, scenes of daily life, landscapes, narrative works and still lifes created by the Dutch master.

The show also aims to document Rembrandt’s lasting influence on printmaking by including works by his contemporaries, plus later artists such as James McNeill Whistler

and Pablo Picasso.

“With this exhibition we hope to demonstrate that each of Rembrandt’s prints is a work of art in its own right,” said Epco Runia, head of collections at the Rembrandt House Museum and the show’s curator. “If you take the time to look at them closely, a whole world opens up to you: a world in black and white, but with enormous visual richness.”

Regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time, Rembrandt (1606-1669) created groundbreaking art not only in his oil paintings, but in the 300-plus etchings he made during his career.

The exhibition continues through May 17 at the Taft.

 taftmuseum.org

Etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn, from the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam:

The Rat-Poison Peddler, 1632

The Shell (Conus Marmoreus), 1650

‘Longing’ exhibit at CAM connects viewers to art of Himalayas

A colorful, multisensory exhibition of court paintings from India, from the 17th to the 19th centuries, comes to the Cincinnati Art Museum on Feb. 6. “Longing: Painting from the Pahari Kingdoms of the Northwest Himalayas” features more than 40 small paintings created for royal, noble and priestly patronage.

The artists used various techniques to produce these works, which often were given as gifts among nobility, families and political allies.

“This exhibition explores paintings through the lens of a shared human emotion,” said Ainsley M. Cameron, curator of South Asian art, Islamic art and antiquities at CAM. The art conveys the theme of “longing” in several ways – portraying

those who long to connect with the divine, individuals and couples who yearn for romance and rulers and noblemen who longed to be at the center of political control.

The exhibition adds a multisensory touch to some of the paintings, pairing them with scents, textures or musical soundscapes to heighten each work’s bhava (emotion or mood) and allow viewers to connect more deeply to the art.

Part of a research project connecting the South Asian art collections at CAM, the Cleveland Museum of Art and the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., “Longing” will be on view through June 7 in Cincinnati.

 cincinnatiartmuseum.org

The Contemporary Arts Center brings the fourth installment of “Paloozanoire,” an exhibition series dedicated to celebrate the talent of diverse artists from across the nation, to downtown Cincinnati on Feb. 20.

The 2026 edition, titled “FACES: Don’t Get It Twisted – Untangling a Textured Legacy,” will focus on storytelling traditions around textured and ethnic hair across generations throughout the world.

“FACES represents the evolution of our commitment to honoring the legacy, stories and artistic depth of underrepresented artists,” said Ray Ball, Paloozanoire co-founder and co-director.

Through painting, sculpture, photography, textile and installation, the exhibition aims to invite viewers to engage with the stories told by artists chosen from throughout the Midwest.

“FACES” will run at CAC through March 22.  contemporaryartscenter.org

An arts center for everyone

Steve Loftin’s three decades of guiding change, growth and community connection at the Aronoff Center

By David Lyman

TheAronoff Center for the Arts turns 30 this season. In those three decades, the Aronoff has gone from a sometimes-controversial development that some believed was part of a plan to abandon Music Hall to what is arguably the hub of the city center’s arts and entertainment. Some say that the opening of the Aronoff Center saved downtown Cincinnati. That may be a bit of a stretch, but not by much. It’s hard to remember what downtown Cincinnati looked and felt like in the early 1990s, especially Walnut Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. It was something of a wasteland. There were a couple of forgettable restaurants. And the Phoenix Bar. There was a popcorn store, too, and Batsakes Hats. But after dark, it felt like a no-man’s land.

All that changed when the Aronoff Center opened in October 1995. Suddenly, the dark and sometimes intimidating block was filled with activity, day and night. During its first year, the Aronoff attracted a staggering 514,000 people to various events there. And since its opening, the center has welcomed nearly 12.5 million people to more than 17,500 performances and events,

becoming one of the region’s most visited arts venues.

Steve Loftin has been there for all of it. Today, he’s the president of the Cincinnati Arts Association, the nonprofit group that oversees programming and management at both the Aronoff Center and Music Hall. He arrived in 1993 – as executive vice president – just one week after the first concrete was poured for the construction of the Aronoff.

He has seen downtown undergo a radical evolution in that time. Department stores, once regarded as the anchors of downtown, have disappeared. Stadiums have been razed and then rebuilt. But the amount of new development has been overwhelming. There are loads of new hotels and offices and a booming residential market. The Contemporary Arts Center opened its new home across the street from the Aronoff in 2003. And despite the occasional high-profile restaurant closing, downtown’s dining scene is flourishing.

Just as important to the health of the city’s central core has been the growth of a robust Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, with its theaters, bars and many, many restaurants. It’s just a few blocks north of the Aronoff and patrons regularly make their way from one area to the other.

Guiding the Aronoff over hurdles

During his 33 years at the Aronoff, the 68-year-old Loftin has shepherded the center through all manner of societal hurdles that he never could have foreseen. There was the unrest and subsequent entertainment boycott that followed the shooting of Timothy Thomas in OTR in 2001. Months later came the 9/11 attacks and the economic downturn that unfolded soon after. There was the Great Recession of 2007-09 and, just five years ago, the greatest challenge of all, the COVID pandemic.

“It has been quite a ride,” said the understated Loftin, his voice still carrying the gentle lilt of his Nashville upbringing. “Things happened that had never happened before. Broadway shows canceling? Major acts abandoning tours? Unheard of. But it was happening three or four times a week in 2020.”

Attendance plummeted. During the 2018-19 season – the last full season before the pandemic – the Aronoff hosted 448 events and had a total attendance of 391,549. During the 2020-21 season, the numbers were shocking: just 36 events attended by 4,495 people.

“It was catastrophic,” said Loftin. “Worst of all was the uncertainty. With a recession, you know you’ll come out of it in a couple of years. But with COVID, we had no idea how it would play out.”

At first, there was hope that things might return to normal in a couple of months.

“So we would reschedule shows on our

Steve doesn’t just run a building … He leads by compassion. He doesn’t make rash decisions. He is always considering what is best for the audiences and for the employees. He is a big reason that the Aronoff has been so successful for so long.

– Genevieve Holt, Broadway Across America

calendar,” said Genevieve Holt, vice presidentMidwest of Broadway Across America, which presents the touring Broadway productions at the Aronoff. “But when the pandemic kept growing, we would shut down for a little longer. Everybody was always reaching out and trying to get new dates on the calendar.”

It sounds chaotic. But it was better than simply closing down and waiting for the pandemic to end. Running an institution like the Aronoff depends on a constant supply of shows in the pipeline. If you shutter that pipeline, getting it up and running again will take a lot of time.

“We didn’t ticket anything for 18 months,” said Loftin. “But in the background, we were in constant touch with tours and performing companies. We were lining up shows not knowing when they might actually be able to perform. … So when the state finally said OK, everything

moved ahead at warp speed.”

On Aug. 28, 2021, the Aronoff’s Procter & Gamble Hall re-opened with Johnny Mathis’ “65 Years of Romance” tour.

There was still much uncertainty. Would audiences feel safe sharing a room with 2,700 strang ers? The state was still requiring people to wear masks. How would audiences respond to that?

“There was so much that we couldn’t know,” said Loftin.

He needn’t have worried. The Johnny Mathis show was “within inches” of being sold out. But a bigger test would come six weeks later when the first Broadway in Cincinnati presentation opened. It was “Pretty Woman” and was scheduled to run for two weeks.

“We stood out on the sidewalk listening to the audience for those first few shows,” said Loftin. “People were almost crying, they were so happy to be back. They had gotten a lot less afraid.”

Two weeks after “Pretty Woman” closed, “Wicked” opened a three-week engagement.

“Once we started, we didn’t look back,” said Loftin. “People were ready. Fortunately, so were we.”

A remarkable comeback

Today, Broadway in Cincinnati is enjoying its highest-ever sub scriber base. And overall Aronoff attendance is likely to come very close to 400,000. It’s something that even the most optimistic observers could not have predicted back in the 1990s.

The decades before the Aronoff’s opening were filled with wrecking balls tearing down one downtown theater after another. The bestknown was the Albee. But there were many others within a few blocks of Fountain Square – the Grand, the Family, the Capitol, the Times and the Keith’s among them. The previous home of tour ing Broadway shows, the Shubert, was knocked down in January 1976. It sat kitty-corner from where the Aronoff is today, in the space now occupied by a CVS pharmacy.

The A/C List

Cultural Exhibits/Tours

American Construction Toy Museum | Norwood. actmuseum.org

ƒ Preservation and history of 3D building toys

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

ƒ Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

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

ƒ Saturdays, noon & 2 p.m. & Sundays, 2 p.m. Guided museum tours

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

ƒ Hands-on educational experiences

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

ƒ Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky

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

ƒ By appointment only. Oldest home in Cincinnati

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

ƒ Exploring Queen City brewing history

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

ƒ Open daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Queen City contributions to Black music

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

ƒ Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

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

ƒ Exploring Queen City food culture

Cincinnati Home & Garden Show | Cincinnati Convention Center, downtown. cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com

ƒ Feb. 20-22 & Feb. 27-March 1. Home improvement and landscaping show

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

ƒ Fridays-Sundays. Union Terminal Rotunda Tours

ƒ Thru April 12. “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away”

Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org

ƒ Nature trails and ponds amidst oldgrowth forest

Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org

ƒ Oldest professional observatory in the United States

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

ƒ Permanent collection of equipment, tools and artifacts

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

ƒ Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market

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

ƒ Indoor and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark

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

ƒ Permanent exhibit. Displays of Glendale’s history

Great Parks | Miami Whitewater Forest. greatparks.org

ƒ Feb. 7, 10 a.m. Winter Hike Series

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

ƒ Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment

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

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

As part of its first domestic tour, Mutual Dance Theatre presents Yue Yin Dance Company, Feb. 20-21 at the Aronoff’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater

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

ƒ Select Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tours

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

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

Imperial Theatre | Mohawk, Over-the-Rhine. imperialmohawk.org

ƒ 2nd Saturday, 10 a.m. Tour of theater being restored

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

ƒ Thru April 19. “Moonlight Menagerie”

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

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

ƒ Thru April 24. “The Botany of Beverages”

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

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

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

ƒ Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom

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

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

Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com

ƒ Showcase of exotic aquatic creatures

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

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

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

ƒ Historic home, art collection and exhibits

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

ƒ Permanent exhibits of military and historic aviation

Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewcampus.org

ƒ Preserved 190-acre farm and open land

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

ƒ By appointment only. World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism

White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org

ƒ Preserved historic village

William Howard Taft National Historic Site | Mt. Auburn. nps.gov/wiho/index.htm

ƒ Historic home of U.S. president and Supreme Court justice

Dance

Brady Music Center | The Banks. bradymusiccenter.com

ƒ Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Dancing with the Stars: Live!

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

ƒ Feb. 13-21. Tchaikovsky: “Swan Lake”

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

ƒ Feb. 8, 2 p.m. CCM Youth Ballet: “Winter Dances”

DE LA Dance Company | Anderson Center Theater, Anderson Twp. 513-871-0914. deladancecompany.org

ƒ Feb. 3-15. “Dance Cincinnati26”

Mutual Dance Theatre | Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-494-6526. mutualdance.org

ƒ Feb. 20-21. Yue Yin Dance Company

Shen Yun | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. shenyun.com

ƒ Feb. 6-7. Celebration of China’s cultural heritage in dance and classical music

Fairs/Festivals/Markets

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

ƒ Feb. 20-22. Mid-century modern design and pop culture show

Covington Farmers Market | Braxton Brewing Company, Covington. greatneighborhoods.org

ƒ Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Regional market

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

ƒ Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. Regional food and beverage winter market

Film

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

ƒ Now playing/OMNIMAX . “D-Day: Normandy 1944” • “Ohio: Wild at Heart”

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

ƒ Feb. 6-8. “The Voice of Hind Rajab”

ƒ Feb. 20-March 15. Oscar Shorts

Ludlow Museum and Historic Society | Second Sight Spirits, Ludlow. preserveludlow.org

ƒ Feb. 24, 7 p.m. “Journey Across the Old Cincinnati Southern Railway”

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

ƒ Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. “Ethan Bloom” (Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ Feb. 1, 1 p.m. “Ethan Bloom” (Encore)

ƒ Feb. 3, 7 p.m. “Always Together” (Sycamore High School)

ƒ Feb. 5, 7 p.m. “Frontier” (Mayerson JCC)

ƒ Feb. 9, 7 p.m. “A Letter to David” (Mayerson JCC)

ƒ Feb. 11, 7 p.m. “The Sea” (The Schiff Center, The Seven Hills School)

ƒ Feb. 12, 7 p.m. “Matchmaking 2” (Kenwood Theatre)

ƒ Feb. 15, 7 p.m. “An American Tail” (Mayerson JCC)

ƒ Feb. 17, 7 p.m. “Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse” (Cincinnati Art Museum)

ƒ Feb. 18, 7 p.m. “Among Neighbors” (Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine)

ƒ Feb. 22, 3 p.m. “Midas Man” (Mayerson JCC)

ƒ Feb. 24, 7 p.m. “Once Upon My Mother” (Kenwood Theatre)

ƒ Feb. 26, 7 p.m. “The Property” (Union Terminal)

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

ƒ Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. “Who in the Hell is Regina Jones”

Literary/Lectures

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

ƒ Feb. 3, 3 p.m. Freida McFadden “Dear Debbie” • LJ Ross “Impostor”

ƒ Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Kerri Maniscalco “Throne of Nightmares”

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

ƒ Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. NKY History Hour (virtual). Resumes in February

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

ƒ Feb. 4, noon. Celebrating Self Speaker Series: Longbottom Bird Ranch

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

ƒ 3rd Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. Open mic with Zeda Stew

ƒ Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. Women of Beecher

Place Oral History premiere

ƒ Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Voices for Truth

Literature Discussion: Ralph Ellison “Invisible Man”

ƒ Feb. 22, 4 p.m. Semi-Colon Club: “Six Triple Eight”

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

ƒ Feb. 22, 2 p.m. “Enemies of the State: The Nazi Persecution of LGBTQ+ People”

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

ƒ Feb. 3, 7 p.m. Discussion: Christen Randall “According to Plan”

ƒ Feb. 22, 4 p.m. Discussion: Amanda McCracken “When Longing Becomes Your Lover”

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

ƒ Feb. 4, 6 p.m. Discussion: Frank X Walker

“Reckoning with the Past: The Historical Poetry of Frank X Walker”

ƒ Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Discussion: Lily Meyer “The End of Romance”

ƒ Feb. 24, 6 p.m. Discussion: Sarah Domet “Everything Lost Returns”

Originary Arts Initiative | originaryartsinitiative@gmail.com

ƒ Mondays, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Writer’s Table with Dick Hague (virtual)

Poetry at Artifact | Northside. facebook.com/poetryatsitwells

ƒ First Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry Night (Urban Artifact)

Swell | Camp Washington. swellartcafe.com

ƒ Literary events, salons and visual arts

The Well | Walnut Hills. thewell.world ƒ Feb. 18, 3 p.m. Mindful Poetry Moments Gathering: Gifted Johnson-Wilkinson (virtual)

Women Writing for (a) Change | Silverton. 513-272-1171. womenwriting.org

ƒ 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. Open mic night

ƒ Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Reading and Q&A: Ellen Austin-Li

Word of Mouth Cincinnati | Over-the-Rhine. motrpub.com

ƒ Final Sunday, 6 p.m. Open poetry mic

Music

CEMF: Denotes Cincinnati Early Music Festival event

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

ƒ Feb. 8, 5 p.m. Bach Vespers

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

ƒ Feb. 5, 7 p.m. Bayker Blankenship

ƒ Feb. 13, 7 p.m. The Wombats

ƒ Feb. 20, 6 p.m. Badflower

ƒ Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Kameron Marlowe

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

ƒ Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Descendents

ƒ Feb. 23, 7 p.m. Excision

ƒ Feb. 27, 8:30 p.m. Miguel

Caffè Vivace, Jazz Vivace Series | Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. caffevivace.com. jazzvivace.org

ƒ Feb. 6-7, 7 & 9 p.m. Jeff Hamilton Trio

ƒ Feb. 20, 7 & 9 p.m. Pat Bianchi Organ Trio

ƒ Feb. 21, 7 & 9 p.m. NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz

ƒ Feb. 24, 7 & 9 p.m. Great American Crooners

ƒ Feb. 27, 7 & 9 p.m. Robin Eubanks

ƒ Feb. 28, 7 & 9 p.m. Stephanie Nakasian w/ Phil DeGreg Trio

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

ƒ Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. 2025 Grammy winners: Karen Slack & Michelle Cann

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

ƒ Feb 1, 5 p.m. Choral Evensong

ƒ Feb. 15, 4 p.m. Theodicy Jazz Collective

◆ Music Live at Lunch

‚ Feb. 3, 12:10 p.m. CCM harpsichord and organ studios

‚ Feb. 10, 12:10 p.m. CEMF: Cincinnati Recorder Consort

‚ Feb. 17, 12:10 p.m. Lagniappe

‚ Feb. 24, 12:10 p.m. CEMF: Moyen Age & Cantus Flores

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

ƒ Feb. 5, 12:05 p.m. Early music by Maksym Mahlay

ƒ Feb. 15, 4 p.m. Choral Evensong

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

ƒ Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. Diana Krall

ƒ Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. Ndlovu Youth Choir

Cincinnati Camerata | Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington. cincinnaticamerata.org

ƒ Feb. 15, 3 p.m. CEMF: “Postcards from Paris”

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

ƒ Feb. 8, 2 p.m. Jazz@First: “Travels: The Metheny/Mays Legacy” Brad Myers, guitar (First Unitarian Church, Avondale)

ƒ Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Big Band Series: “More Than Meets the Ear: Trombonist Robin Eubanks” (The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout Square)

Cincinnati Early Music Festival (CEMF) | cincinnatiearlymusicfestival.org

ƒ Jan. 30, 7 p.m. Christopher Holman, harpsichord (St. Gertrude Parish, Madeira)

ƒ Feb. 7, 3 p.m. Tapestry Concert (Cincinnati Public Radio, Evanston)

ƒ Feb. 8, 4:15 p.m. Micaela Schmitz: “A Saint of Our Time: A Concert Celebrating Carlo Acutis” (St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Terrace Park)

ƒ Feb. 10, 6:45 p.m. J.S. Bach’s Sacred Soprano Arias: Maren Hrivnak (Mary Emery Hall, CCM)

ƒ Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Augustin Pfleger, Passionsmusik of 1670 (Sacred Heart, Camp Washington)

ƒ Feb. 14, 10 a.m. Early Music Sing-A-Long (Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park)

ƒ Feb. 15, 3 p.m. Micaela Schmitz: “A Saint of Our Time: A Concert Celebrating Carlo Acutis” (St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Columbia Tusculum)

ƒ Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. Matthew Geerlings, organ & Solemn Vespers feat. Athenaeum Chorale & Latin Schola (Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Mt. Washington)

ƒ Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m. Ars Audax: “Salt of the Earth” (Mother of God, Covington)

ƒ Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Micaela Schmitz: “A Saint of Our Time: A Concert Celebrating Carlo Acutis” (St. Catharine of Sienna Church, Westwood)

ƒ Feb. 27, 7 p.m. Christina Hazen: “A Mother’s Sorrow” (St. Gertrude Parish, Madeira)

Soprano Karen Slack and pianist Michelle Cann grace Memorial Hall with songs by Franz Schubert, Maurice Ravel and Florence Price. Chamber Music Cincinnati hosts, Feb. 26

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

ƒ Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. Music in the Museum: Johannes Skoog, organ, with choirs of Christ Church Cathedral and St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Cincinnati Song Initiative | Cincinnati Public Radio, Evanston. cincinnatisonginitiative.org

ƒ Feb. 8, 3 p.m. “Liebeslieder Salon”

Cincinnati String Project | cincinnatistringproject.org

ƒ Jan. 31, 5 p.m. “Cornerstones” (All Saints Episcopal Church, Pleasant Ridge)

ƒ Feb. 1, 5 p.m. “Cornerstones” (Temple Sholom, Blue Ash)

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

ƒ Feb. 6-7. (CSO) Mahler Symphony No. 4 Tabita Berglund, conductor; Camilla Tilling, soprano

ƒ Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. (Lollipops) “Peter and the Wolf”

ƒ Feb. 28-March 1. (CSO) “Beethoven & Ravel” Samuel Lee, conductor; JeanEfflam Bavouzet, piano

Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com

ƒ Feb. 1, 7 p.m. CEMF: Early Music Rev

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

ƒ Feb. 1, 4 p.m. Wind Symphony: “Pictures at an Exhibition” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Orchestra: “The Music of Pat Metheny” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. Concert Orchestra: “Legends and Laments” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. Wind Ensemble: “Make

Our Garden Grow” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 8, 2 p.m. Avan Yu, piano (Werner Recital Hall)

ƒ Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Ariel Quartet: “Beethoven and Berg” (Werner Recital Hall)

ƒ Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Wind Symphony & Youth Wind Ensemble: “Old Songs Remembered” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Choir: “Seven Last Words From The Cross” (St. Xavier Church, downtown)

ƒ Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Lab Band: “Blues, Blues and More Blues” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. Brian Hong, viola (Werner Recital Hall)

ƒ Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Philharmonia: “Midlife Crisis” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 22, 2 p.m. Polina Bespalko, piano (Werner Recital Hall)

ƒ Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. Brass Choir: “Brass Showcase” (Corbett Auditorium)

ƒ Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. Dror Biran, piano (Werner Recital Hall)

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

ƒ Feb. 13, 7 p.m. CEMF: Motets of J.S. Bach

Concertnova | ARCO, Price Hill. concertnova.com

ƒ Feb. 22, 4:30 p.m. “Alma Latina,” curated by cellist Nicholas Mariscal

DuoMente | Christ the King Lutheran Church, West Chester. duomente.org

ƒ Feb. 27, 7 p.m. “Winter Café”

Ensemble Con Fuoco | ensembleconfuoco.com

ƒ Feb. 28, 7 p.m. CEMF: “Buxtehude & Shaw” (St. Mary Church, Hyde Park)

ƒ March 1, 3 p.m. Encore (St. Catharine of Siena, Westwood)

Fitton Center | Hamilton.

513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org

ƒ Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Hot Magnolias

Greater Cincinnati Guitar Society | First Unitarian Church, Avondale. cincinnatiguitarsociety.org

ƒ Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. CEMF: Ronn McFarlane, lute

The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music

ƒ Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ Feb. 4, 8 p.m. Ghost

ƒ Feb. 20, 8 p.m. B2K & Bow Wow

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

ƒ Feb. 22, 4 p.m. Karol Mossakowski, organ

The Jazz Spoon | Forest Park. thejazzspoon.com

ƒ Friday and Saturday evenings Live jazz

Kentucky Symphony Orchestra | Graves Concert Hall, Highland Heights. 859-431-6216. kyso.org

ƒ Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. “Brushes and Bows”

Linton Chamber Music | 513-381-6868. lintonmusic.org

ƒ Feb. 1, 4 p.m. “American Stories” (First Unitarian Church, Avondale)

ƒ Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. “American Stories” (Congregation Beth Adam, Loveland)

ƒ Feb. 22, 4 p.m. “Dvořák’s Bohemian Spirit” (First Unitarian Church, Avondale)

ƒ Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. “Dvořák’s Bohemian Spirit” (Congregation Beth Adam, Loveland)

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

ƒ Feb. 4, 6 p.m. (Living God Church, Avondale)

ƒ Feb. 5, 6 p.m. (Cincinnati Public Radio, Evanston)

ƒ Feb. 7, noon (Cincinnati Art Museum)

ƒ Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. (Kennedy Heights Arts Center)

ƒ Feb. 19, 6 p.m. (Child Focus - The Carter Center, Eastgate)

ƒ Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m. (Union Presbyterian Church)

ƒ Feb. 23, 10:30 a.m. (North Central Branch Library)

ƒ Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. (Heritage Presbyterian Church, Mason)

Longworth-Anderson Series | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. longworth-andersonseries.com

ƒ Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Christian McBride & Ursa Major

ƒ Feb. 19, 8 p.m. Esperanza Spalding

Ludlow Garage | Clifton Gaslight District. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com

ƒ Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. The Lovin’ Spoonful

ƒ Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Alex Bugnon & Jeff Kashiwa

ƒ Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Classic Stones

ƒ Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Nirvana Grunge Fest

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

ƒ Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Marsellus Wallace

ƒ Feb. 12, 7 p.m. The Browning

ƒ Feb. 13, 6 p.m. Hunxho

ƒ Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. Galactic Empire

ƒ Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Exhorder

Mason Symphony Orchestra | Kings Island Theater. masonsymphonyorchestra.org

ƒ Feb. 22, 5 p.m. “Coco” in concert with guitar soloists Tim Berens and David Ferrara

MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com

ƒ Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Vincent Mason

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

ƒ Feb. 2, 7 p.m. Eric Lechliter “Hard Bop Heroes”

ƒ Feb. 9, 7 p.m. Mandy Gaines “Love Makes the World a Better Place”

ƒ Feb. 13, 8 p.m. On A Winter’s Night

ƒ Feb. 16, 7 p.m. Mambo Madness

ƒ Feb. 20, 8 p.m. Solas

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

ƒ Feb. 23, 7 p.m. Jordan Pollard Trio “The Music of Ahmad Jamal”

Musica Sacra | Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park. 513-385-5583. musica-sacra.org

ƒ Feb. 22, 3 p.m. 60th anniversary concert, Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” and other sacred anthems

Queen City Balladeers | Leo

Coffeehouse, Zion United Church of Christ, Norwood. queencityballadeers.org

ƒ Feb. 1, 6:40 p.m. Cigar Box Scott, Dave Gilligan and Laurelview Ramblers

ƒ Feb. 8, 6 p.m. Open mic

ƒ Feb. 15, 6:40 p.m. Ellie Fabe, April

CombsMann, Scott Nutter & Jeff Gushin

ƒ Feb. 22, 6:40 p.m. Ricky Nye, Lindsay Rogers and Dynamic Duo

Radio Artifact | Queen City Artifact, Northside. radioartifact.com

ƒ Sundays, 4 p.m. Open jam

ƒ Thursdays, 7 p.m. Open jazz

Schwartz’s Point | Five Points, Over-the-Rhine. thepointclub.weebly.com ƒ Thursdays-Sundays. Live jazz

Seven Hills Baroque | Location TBA. 7hillsbaroque.org

ƒ Feb. 22, 3 p.m. A Celebration of Voices

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. New Wave Orchestra

ƒ Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Drink The Sea

ƒ Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. Rush Tribute Project

ƒ Feb. 22, 8 p.m. The Lone Bellow

ƒ Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Joe Bonamassa

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

ƒ Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Rusko

ƒ Feb. 27, 8 p.m. Aaron Watson

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

ƒ Feb. 18, 12:15 p.m. Midday Musical Menu: Students of CCM Organ Department

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

ƒ Feb. 27, 8 p.m. Wussy

ƒ Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Sylmar

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

ƒ Feb. 26, 8 p.m. Nate Smith, bandleader, composer, producer and drummer

Opera

CEMF: Denotes Cincinnati Early Music Festival event

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

ƒ Feb. 5-7, 8 p.m. CEMF: Cavalli: “L’egisto” (Cohen Studio Theater)

ƒ Feb. 26-28. Poulenc: “Les Mamelles De Tirésias” + Weill: “Mahagonny Songspiel” (Cohen Studio Theater)

Theater/Comedy

Angelico Project | Corryville. angelicoproject.org

ƒ 1st Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. Improv Night

Beechmont Players | Anderson Township. 513-233-2468. beechmontplayers.org

ƒ Feb. 5-16. “Love Letters”

Brady Music Center | The Banks. bradymusiccenter.com

ƒ Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Wanda Sykes, comedian

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

ƒ Feb. 10-22. “Shucked”

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

ƒ Feb. 27-March 8. “Anything Goes”

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

“Where We Stand,” a poetic, interactive solo-theater piece by Donnetta Lavinia Grays, stars Torie Wiggins (left) and runs through Feb. 22 at Ensemble Theatre

CenterStage Players | Gabriel’s Corner, Over-the-Rhine. centerstageplayersinc.com

ƒ Feb. 20-28. “Transorbital”

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | Emery Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. 513569-8080 x10. thechildrenstheatre.com

ƒ Feb. 20-March 8. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical”

Cincinnati Arts Association | JarsonKaplan Theater, Aronoff Center. downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org

ƒ Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. “The Super Pickle: A Hilarious Musical Parody”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 15. “Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story”

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

ƒ Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. “Welcoming Echoes” by Paul Bergman • Four 10-minute plays by Roger Collins

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

ƒ Feb. 27-March 15. “Silent Sky”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 22. “Where We Stand”

Fairfield Footlighters | Fairfield Community Arts Center. 513-867-5348. fairfieldfootlighters.org

ƒ Feb. 13-15. “The Nerd”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 7. “A Girl In School Uniform (Walks into a Bar)”

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

ƒ Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus

ƒ Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. “Crimes of the Centuries”

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

Sunday, February 1 | 5:00 pm Choral Evensong (Pre-Service Organ Recital 4:30 pm)

Friday, February 13 | 7:00 pm Bach’s Motets (Collegium Cincinnati)

Sunday, February 15 | 4:00 pm Theodicy Jazz Collective

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Otto Budig Theater, Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2273. cincyshakes.com

Thru Feb. 15. “A Soldier’s Play”

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

ƒ Feb. 7, 8 p.m. “Highly Improvable”

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

ƒ Feb. 12-14. “Rope” (Corbett Theater)

ƒ Feb. 27-March 8. “Anything Goes” (The Carnegie, Covington)

Commonwealth Sanctuary | Dayton, Ky. commonwealthsanctuary.com

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

ƒ Thru Feb. 15. “A Streetcar Named Desire”

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

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com

ƒ Weekly comedy shows

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

ƒ Feb. 12-15. “The 39 Steps”

Hard Rock Casino | Pendleton. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com

ƒ Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Marlon Wayans, comedian

Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com

ƒ Feb. 14, 8 p.m. We Them One’s Comedy Tour

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

ƒ Thursday-Saturday evenings. Comedy shows

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

ƒ Feb. 9 & 23. “Serials!” Season 16

ƒ Feb. 12-21. “Constellations”

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

ƒ Feb. 27-March 8. “Love/Sick”

Lumos Players | Lakeview UCC, Maineville. lumosplayers.com

ƒ Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Playwrights Script Reading Series: Four 10-Minute Plays

Miami University Performing Arts Series | Oxford. 513-529-3200. miamioh.edu/cca/performing-arts-series

ƒ Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. “Spamilton: An American Parody”

Northern Kentucky University | Stauss Theatre. 859-572-5464. theatre.nku.edu

ƒ Feb. 13-22. “Eurydice”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 15. “Little Women” (Rouse Theatre)

ƒ Feb. 7-March 8. “Mary’s Wedding” (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre)

ƒ Feb. 28-March 29. “Mrs. Christie” (Rouse Theatre)

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

ƒ Feb. 7-8. “The Outsiders”

ƒ Feb. 13-15. “Mary Poppins Jr.”

ƒ Feb. 20-21. “Murder at Mardi Gras”

The Story Collective | Peterloon Estate, Indian Hill. thestorycollective.org

ƒ Feb. 26-March 7. “Clue: The Musical”

Sunset Players | Westwood. 513-588-4988. sunsetplayers.org

ƒ Feb. 27-March 7. “The Wild Women of Winedale”

Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org

ƒ Feb. 5, 6 p.m. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live

ƒ Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Jim Jefferies, comedian

ƒ Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Michael Blaustein, comedian

ƒ Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Stavros Halkias, comedian

ƒ Feb. 26-27, 7:30 p.m. John Mulaney, comedian

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

ƒ Feb. 19-28. “Love, Loss, and What I Wore”

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

ƒ Feb. 12-15. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]”

ƒ Feb. 19-22. “Slut Shaming”

Visual Art

21c Museum Hotel | Downtown. 513-578-6600. 21cmuseumhotels.com

ƒ Thru August . “Fragile Figures: Beings and Time”

8 North Center of the Arts | Fort Thomas. villageplayers.org/ centerforthearts

ƒ Thru Feb. 7. “Lineillism Revealed: The Vertical Visions of Jim Hall”

The Angelico Project | St. Francis Xavier, downtown. angelicoproject.org

ƒ Thru April 9. Annual Juried Art Exhibition

The Annex Gallery | Pendleton. annexgallery.org

ƒ Thru Feb. 14. “Dossier Havana –Photographs by Pedro Abascal”

ƒ Feb. 25-March 27. Ciro Quintana exhibition. Reception: Feb. 28, 1-3 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru March 6. AAC Faculty Exhibition 2026

Art of the Brick | Downtown. theartofthebrickexpo.com/cincinnati

ƒ Thru Feb. 28. Traveling LEGO art exhibit

Art on Vine | Rhinegeist Brewery, Over-the-Rhine. artonvinecincy.com

ƒ Feb. 15, noon-6 p.m. Love Love

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 28. “ULTimate ARTclectic”

ArtWorks | Walnut Hills. 513-333-0388. artworkscincinnati.org

ƒ Thru March 11. Kenton Brett: “Cerebral Vortex”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 20. DBL Art Show

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

ƒ Feb. 6-13. The Presidents’ Exhibition. Reception: Feb. 6, 6-8:30 p.m.

ƒ Feb. 20-March 3. Pollinators

Project: Bee Creative Exhibit. Reception: Feb. 20, 6-8:30 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru March 7. “All Four Seasons in Equal Measure”

Cincinnati Art Club | Mt. Adams. 513-241-4591. cincinnatiartclub.org

ƒ Feb. 13-15. That Sketchy Sketch Group Show: “Bringing About Progress” Reception: Feb. 13, 6-8:30 p.m.

ARTS & CULTURE | The List

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 22. Modern and Contemporary Craft

ƒ Thru March 1. “What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine”

ƒ Thru April 5. Tamary Kudita: “African Victorian and Birds of Paradise”

ƒ Feb. 6-June 7. “Longing: Painting from the Pahari Kingdoms”

ƒ Feb. 27, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 6. Bubly Barna: “the body between us”

ƒ Feb. 13-27. Summerfair Cincinnati: Emerging Artists. Reception: Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m.

Contemporary Arts Center | Downtown. 513-345-840. contemporaryartscenter.org

ƒ Thru April 5. UC Art Collection

ƒ Thru Oct. 31. “Gravity’s Rainbow”

ƒ Feb. 20-March 22. “FACES: Don’t Get It Twisted”

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

ƒ Thru March 29. “Nam June Paik in Cincinnati: A History” Reception: March 12, 5-7 p.m.

ƒ Feb. 8-April 5. “Domesticus Nature Morte”

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 5. Ashley Brossart: “Cadence”

Fairfield Community Arts Center | Fairfield. 513-867-5348. fairfield-city.org

ƒ Thru Feb. 20. “Creatures, Companions & the Wild”

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

ƒ Feb. 14-March 27. “Push & Pull”

Reception: Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m.

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

ƒ Permanent exhibition: “Women of Glendale”

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

ƒ Thru March 16. Tim Stegmaier: “Nowhere But Here”

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

ƒ Thru March 14. “Rooms of Grief” (Kennedy Gallery)

ƒ Thru April 11. “We’re All Healing” (Lindner Gallery)

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 20. “Echo” • “Numbers” • “Interface”

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

ƒ Jan. 27-June 13. From the Collections (Douglass Gallery) • “Culture Crops,” photos by Tina Gutierrez (Farmer Gallery) • Art & Architecture History Senior Capstone (McKie Gallery)

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 19. FE26: Art & Design Faculty Exhibition. Reception: Feb. 19, 5-7 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 25. “Sticks & Stones”

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

ƒ Feb. 27, 5-9 p.m., open studios

Save Our Souls Art | Queen City Clay, Norwood. sosartcincinnati.com

ƒ Thru Feb. 26. “Imprinting Justice”

Skirball Museum | Clifton. csm.huc.edu

ƒ Thru Feb. 9. “The Collars of RBG”

Solway Gallery | West End. 513-6210069. solwaygallery.com

ƒ Feb. 13-March 31. “I-75 Corridor” Reception: Feb. 13, 5-8 p.m.

Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com

ƒ Feb. 26-28. “The Warriors, Builders, & Weavers of Cincinnati’s Foodshed” Reception: Feb. 27, 4-9 p.m.

Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery | Mount St. Joseph University. msj.edu ƒ Thru March 18. “Cultural Tradition & Artistic Voices” Reception: March 1, 2-4 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru Feb. 28. “Outer Space / Inner Worlds”

Taft Museum of Art | Downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org

ƒ Thru March 22. “Teatime: Chinese Enamels”

ƒ Feb. 7-May 17. “Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black and White”

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

ƒ Thru March 5. “Coming of Age: Hairitage” Reception: Feb. 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

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

ƒ Thru March 20. Don & Maggie Kelley: “A Legacy of Love”

Wave Pool Gallery | Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org

ƒ Thru Feb. 3. “Ghosts of Smoke and Water”

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

ƒ Thru March 15. Beverly Fishman: “— orexia” • John Brooks: “Islands Are Not Forever” • Terence Hammonds: “Transmission from the Mothership” 

Pam Green challenges Easterseals Redwood workers to compete in the real world

Pam Green walks through the Easterseals Redwood campus in Walnut Hills and chats with coworkers and clients.

At first, it seems casual. Then you realize that she knows what everybody does. Then it becomes clear that she knows everyone by name. Eventually, you see that she also knows the names of their children and other things important to them.

While she clearly has a gift for people and names and faces, what is singularly impressive about Pam Green as she talks with people living with disabilities is that she respects them enough to demand they do their best.

“Everybody wants to compete. Everybody wants to do their best. I feel it in my heart and soul that people want to go to work,” Green said. “They want self-sufficiency, they want autonomy.”

She stops and chats with Jackson, a 28-year-old man who has worked at the fulfillment center, primarily preparing medical kits, for four years. Jackson says he enjoys his paycheck and likes watching his bank account grow. He is on the autism spectrum and can complete an order in 1.7 seconds – which he demonstrates. A co-worker walks past during the demonstration, shakes his head, smiles, calls him “T-Jack,” and keeps walking. “All right,” Jackson says, looking at Green, “back to work.”

hospital with that purpose. The National Society for Crippled Children later became Easter Seals, which eventually became Easterseals.

Redwood School and Rehabilitation was formed in 1953 when parents of children with cerebral palsy were unhappy with the resources available to their children in Northern Kentucky. Eventually, Redwood created programs for all children with disabilities. In the

By John Faherty

workers just need training, and employers just need to open their eyes to the possibilities of nontraditional workers.

Much of this work happens at the organization’s sprawling campus, a brand-new Walnut Hills facility on Gilbert Avenue. It serves as the Easterseals Redwood administrative office. It includes a care center for people with disabilities, a 20,000-square-foot fulfillment center

Green smiles and says, “Helping people find their way is amazing.”

They have been finding their way at Easterseals for more than 100 years. It began after a Cleveland businessman’s son was badly injured in a streetcar accident in their hometown, Elyria, Ohio. The son would die of those injuries, largely because of a lack of medical care. The businessman, Edgar Allen, raised enough money to open a hospital.

Once the hospital was open, however, Allen was horrified to learn that children with disabilities often received substandard care and were hidden from public view in hospitals. So Allen, a Rotarian, founded the National Society for Crippled Children in 1919. It was the first

1980s, they started helping adults with employment services, therapy and childcare.

In 2022, Easterseals and Redwood merged. Green has been with Easterseals since 2003 and has been the CEO and president since 2011. There are 420 employees at sites across the region.

The challenge of unemployment

Finding work can be difficult for anybody, but it can be particularly troublesome for people with disabilities. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the employment rate for people with disabilities stood at 37%, compared with 75% for workers without disabilities.

But Green is undaunted. She knows that

Everybody wants to compete. Everybody wants to do their best. I feel it in my heart and soul that people want to go to work. They want self-sufficiency, they want autonomy.”

–Pam Green

where people work, and the Klekamp Family Military and Veterans Center. The Klekamp Center provides veterans and their families with housing referrals, legal assistance, mental health support and employment services.

So, some people work here for Easterseals Redwood, some people work in the fulfillment center for paying clients, and some people are here for work training. It is a lot, but it centers around work.

And dignity. That’s important to Green.

“I grew up poor,” she said. “I went to school, and I worked hard, but having limited choices because of my means was awful for me as a young person. It didn’t feel fair.”

Green grew up in Kentucky, and now lives in Hyde Park with her husband. The couple

has two adult daughters. She knows work can be a grind, and that bosses can be hard, and responsibilities can weigh on you. But she has seen what it can do for people.

“It won’t cure a mental illness. But coming to work, seeing your friends, experiencing achievement, can help a person.”

Green does not want her clients simply to find work. She wants them to find meaningful work. To do this, she decided to make everything a lot more difficult.

Challenging work leads to success

In January 2017, Easterseals stopped being a “sheltered workshop” and became a “social enterprise.” This sounds like a subtle shift, but it was transformative.

A sheltered workshop is segregated, with disabled workers off to the side. The employees are doing piecework, completing repetitive tasks that get counted at the end of the day. This is an older model of employment with the flaw of presuming that disabled workers are defined by their limitations. This model excludes disabled workers from other workers, and does not prepare them for work in more competitive environments.

favor. That’s what makes the fulfillment center so important. They are making medical testing kits for companies like MedPace, which means it has to be right.

“We compete with the real world. Our competitors do not hire the people we hire, but we compete,” Green said. “And let me tell you, the companies buying what we are selling do not give two shakes about who works here. They just want the job done.”

The workers at the fulfillment center take great pride in competing. “Everybody here comes from a group that people don’t expect much from,” Green said. “But they can do the work.”

Everybody receives at least Ohio minimum wage for their work – currently $11 an hour.

Many of the people who receive job training at Easterseals Redwood have no disabilities. They come for job training and placement services.

Some families need services for both. Green

disabilities. They might mean chronic unemployment, prison time and dependency issues. People in the construction program receive training at Easterseals Redwood, then start working at Building Value for even more training.

Building Value, in Cincinnati’s Northside neighborhood, is a microcosm of Green’s vision. It was founded in 2004, is supported by Easterseals Redwood and is a true social enterprise with two goals. First, to train people for construction work, and second, to be a successful salvage, deconstruction and construction company. Each year, 60 program participants come out of Building Value with jobs in the industry.

One of those program participants was John. He was a young man who made some mistakes and ended up unemployed and with two felony convictions. He had a long road ahead of him, but began training at Easterseals Redwood.

In a social enterprise, the work is more challenging, the pay is higher and the employees are working with all employees, not just others who are disabled. They are on the floor with all of their coworkers, where they can learn from each other both socially and professionally.

Green loves it when a person who has come through their training facility lands a job either at Easterseals Redwood or in the outside world. She knows what it can mean for that person’s self-esteem. “It’s autonomy,” she said. “It’s the ability to take care of your family. It’s a basic human need.”

But she also knows how hard it can be. How much courage it can require. Especially for a person with a visible disability.

“It can be isolating. It is hard to form relationships in the workplace. It is really hard with a disability because you can be seen as less-than. First days of work are brutal.”

But Green believes her clients can do it. She respects them enough to know they can face any challenge. That’s why she wanted to transition from a shelter workshop to a social enterprise.

She believes her workers can compete without

stops and chats with Reggie. Reggie is 43 and has cerebral palsy, which means he cannot stand or walk for long periods. He was unemployed and unhappy when he came to Easterseals six years ago. “I needed change,” Reggie said. “I didn’t have a sense of value.”

Now he has a leadership role and a renewed sense of purpose. “Pride and everything,” Reggie said. “I’m working, making a paycheck, I’m a member of my community. Since the time I came, it’s been good.”

Then Reggie sat up taller and started talking about his son, who is just finishing up an apprenticeship. More about him below.

Finding a path through construction

Easterseals has been working with the construction industry since 2002. Green says it’s a great industry for many of her clients. “Construction has been a path to the middle class for decades,” she said. “It is also willing to work with people facing challenges.”

Those challenges may not be physical

Then it was time to start applying what he learned at Building Value. Green knows work can be hard. And sometimes tedious. And having a boss can be a particular joy. This is all the more so if a person is new to employment. That’s why the time at Building Value is so important. “We call it work hardening,” Green said.

One day during his training at Building Value, John was pulling shingles from a roof for possible reuse. It was a particularly tedious job for the young man so his mind wandered. “What am I doing up here? Nobody wants these shingles.” Then, Pam said, he saw it all clearly. Sitting on that roof, he realized that a few years earlier, nobody had wanted him either, despite how valuable he was. So he got back to work.

“I love everything about that story,” Green said. “Work is hard, but it is so important. Seeing a change like this is just extraordinary.” Reggie’s son is another recent success story. After graduating from high school, he realized college was not for him. But he had little idea of what other options were available. His dad encouraged him to pursue construction trades training at Easterseals Redwood; he had participated in their YouthBuild program. In April, the young man will complete the fourth year of his electrician apprenticeship and will be a certified union electrician earning more than his girlfriend who has a master’s degree – and he will have no student debt, just a promising future.

By Shauna Steigerwald

Audrey Treasure Connecting people to jobs

Aglass paperweight on Audrey Treasure’s desk bears the Theodore Roosevelt quote “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” That fits with Treasure’s mindset about making an impact on the world.

“I absolutely believe that you can make a difference where you are,” said Treasure, vice president and executive director of the Workforce Innovation Center at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber.

She traces her desire to make a difference back to her high school years in Troy, Ohio, when she volunteered as a tutor for two families from contrasting economic situations.

“I was struck by the differences these two sets of kids had based on their family circumstances,” she said. “As an idealistic high schooler, I really wanted to see how we could improve outcomes for all people.”

After earning her bachelor’s in Spanish and a certificate in nonprofit management from Indiana University, Treasure taught in lowincome schools in Chicago and Atlanta for two years with Teach for America. Her next stop was Junior Achievement of Georgia.

“It was motivating for me to help young people see different alternatives for their future by having greater exposure to jobs (and) to training opportunities, and to work with their families for them to have more opportunities as well,” she said.

Following six months of teaching with her now-husband in rural Guatemala, Treasure took a grant writing job at Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio. She admired the university’s commitment to supporting adult learners –and she became one, earning her master’s there.

The path to the Innovation Center

In 2013, Treasure joined the Cincinnati Business Committee and the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, membership organizations composed of the region’s CEOs with a shared staff. Working with the Child Poverty Collaborative through that role revealed a need for an organization that would help businesses solve their workforce and talent goals, to the benefit of both employers and employees, and connecting businesses with workforce organizations.

Those experiences led to Treasure joining the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, where she helped launch the Workforce Innovation Center in January 2019.

“It’s really about making sure that people in this community have access and opportunity to be fulfilled with good jobs that have good pay and good benefits and that can sustain their lives,” said Brendon Cull, Chamber president and CEO.

One real-world example: In a Chamber newsletter, Cull wrote about Antianna Beal, who “was having difficulty finding a path that worked for her, and was working at a Foot Locker” when she was encouraged to join the Workforce Innovation Center’s Women of Color in Tech program. With the help of the Brighton Center, Beal finished the Google certificate that the program offered and is now “working in research and development at Procter & Gamble, with a great career path ahead of her.”

The Center’s work “helps align the workforce ecosystem’s resources with the needs of our growing economy,” Cull said, “all the while making sure that businesses have access to the resources they need to make the necessary changes or the policy shifts that improve job quality in our community.”

The Center’s partner organizations include workforce coaching nonprofits, educational institutions, training centers and other similarly focused organizations.

“I really like people, and I really like making connections, and I really like solving problems,” Treasure said. “That’s what this work is: Working with people, connecting them to one another and saying ‘Let’s solve this problem.’ ”

That’s part of the reason Cull considers Treasure “the perfect person to lead this effort.”

“She has a deep understanding of the complicated systems in our workforce sector,” he said. “And maybe, even more importantly, she has taken great care to build authentic and deep relationships with the people who are involved in the workforce sector.”

As part of the Center’s work, workforce organizations also convene quarterly to “build connectivity across the workforce and talent ecosystem. There are more than 100 organizations in this space, and it’s hard to keep track of who’s doing what,” Treasure said.

“A lot of people do great work in their own individual silos, and that matters,” she added. “But foundationally at the Chamber, we believe we have greater opportunity for collective impact when we work together … and that will help our region to be a place where people can thrive and belong.”

A ‘thought partner’ with United Way

One organization the Center works with is United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

“We’re not only an investor; I would say we’re a thought partner – we look for ways to collaborate,” said Moira Weir, its president and CEO. “It’s a win-win: If our families are thriving and doing well economically, then our community thrives.”

Weir has known Treasure for around 10 years, before either was in her current role.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for her,” Weir said. “She’s really, really smart … but she also has heart and cares deeply. The other part is looking for the accountability and the outcomes. It’s heart, brilliance and producing the outcomes.”

“She’s done so many different things, and I think all these things give her a unique background to understand the value of stable families, education (and) a strong economic community,” she added.

Outside of her day job, Treasure has a long list of volunteer commitments. She serves on the Selection Advisory Committee for GreenLight Fund Cincinnati; was a founding board member of School Board School; chairs the steering committee of the Talent Collaborative of

Nonprofits nurturing region’s workforce

In Greater Cincinnati, workforce development is about more than simply filling jobs; it’s about creating opportunity, economic growth and building workforce and community resilience.

Across the region, nonprofits are helping individuals navigate the often-complex path to meaningful employment, combining practical training with the support systems people need to thrive. Movers & Makers spoke with 10 organizations that are actively shaping these pathways, serving populations ranging from young adults stepping into their first jobs to individuals facing barriers like housing instability, poverty or gaps in education and experience.

These programs go beyond skills alone, combining training with mentorship, career coaching, financial guidance and access to childcare,

CityLink Center

Johnmark Oudersluys, executive director

CityLink Center combines vocational training with support services that address the full spectrum of barriers to employment.

Programs include healthcare through Making A Change Cincy, IT with PerScholas, construction via Habitat 4 Humanity, culinary training onsite and auto technology with ChangingGears. Each participant receives practical instruction paired with coaching that continues beyond graduation, helping them transition confidently into the workforce.

Services are available to adults 18 and older who live below 250% of the federal poverty level and have stable housing. Programs are tailored to align with each individual’s career goals before they begin. CityLink serves roughly 700 participants annually, connecting them with employers and guiding employees and businesses to long-term success.

Beyond training, the organization emphasizes barrier removal, providing support for transportation, childcare, mental health, financial management and housing through partnerships with local agencies.

IKRON Corporation

Randy Strunk, CEO

transportation or mental health resources. Employers also benefit, gaining candidates who are prepared for long-term success, along with insights and coaching to improve retention and create inclusive workplaces.

While the challenges of aligning training with employer demand and supporting participants through personal and systemic barriers remain, the organizations highlight a bigger picture: a region-wide commitment to collaboration and innovation.

From healthcare and logistics to technology and skilled trades, Greater Cincinnati’s workforce is growing stronger. These profiles showcase nonprofits turning opportunity into impact – helping individuals build careers, families achieve stability and communities thrive. 

IKRON Corporation prepares adults and youth for self-sufficiency through vocational training, career coaching and life-stabilization services.

Programs include food service, maintenance, IT, landscaping, human services and other skill areas, paired with career planning, job coaching and hands-on work experiences. Participants also have access to counseling, case management and health or addiction services, helping remove obstacles that might hinder employment success.

Pre-Employment Services for Transitional Age Youth and four-day-week vocational programs build skills and career readiness.

IKRON partners with more than 60 employers across Greater Cincinnati, helping them understand the benefits of inclusive hiring. Job developers guide participants from application through onboarding and offer up to 18 months of support after placement.

Tianay Amat, president & CEO

Cincinnati Works partners with adults living in poverty to help them achieve economic selfsufficiency through employment.

The organization provides personalized coaching, career readiness training and skills development that prepare participants for today’s workplace, including resume support, interview preparation, professionalism, digital literacy and industry-specific instruction.

Justice-involved adults, those who’ve had any connection to the criminal justice system, receive specialized support through the Fair Chance Works initiative. Young adults benefit from the Next Generation program, which helps students explore career pathways and transition successfully into the workforce.

Recognizing that long-term employment success is tied to financial stability, Cincinnati Works offers financial coaching, tax preparation and ongoing guidance to help participants manage resources, save and plan for the future. Coaching continues well beyond job placement, supporting retention, career advancement and wage growth.

By combining skillbuilding with holistic care, CityLink helps individuals achieve sustainable employment while strengthening families and the community. Success, the center says, is when participants step into careers they once thought were out of reach – and their growth benefits the local economy as a whole.

 citylinkcenter.org

Each year, more than 2,000 individuals, ranging from adults with mental health or addiction challenges to youth seeking direction, benefit from IKRON’s programs. Through practical training, mentorship and ongoing coaching, participants gain the skills and confidence to enter the workforce successfully ... and continue long after they’re hired.

IKRON measures its impact in the lives it helps transform, demonstrating that addressing barriers and fostering collaboration create long-term benefits for individuals and the local economy.

 ikron.org

Employer partnerships focus on talent matching, inclusive hiring and on-site support to ensure success for employees and organizations.

Cincinnati Works serves more than 1,500 participants annually, helping them gain the confidence, skills and resources needed to find success. That, in turn, prepares them to contribute to building a more inclusive, resilient regional economy.

 cincinnatiworks.org

Brighton Center

Wonda Winkler, president & CEO

Brighton Center provides workforce training and support to help individuals achieve economic independence. It offers services such as post-secondary medical assisting and administrative healthcare training through the Center for Employment Training, and short-term pre-apprenticeships like Bridge to Healthcare Careers and Trades to Success. Its Digital Foundations effort offers essential technology skills, particularly for individuals navigating recovery.

Through nearly four decades of partnership with the workforce system, Brighton Center serves as the local American Job Center contractor, coordinating services across eight counties in Northern Kentucky. This includes outreach, assessments, training connections and employer services, all structured to connect participants with livable-wage careers with advancement opportunities.

Programs are open to anyone 16 and older, including first-time workers, individuals re-entering employment and those without a high school equivalency. Each year, 150 to 200 participants complete skills training, while its wider programs reach more than 26,000 people.

Brighton Center evaluates its impact by its ability to help people gain skills, confidence and access to meaningful careers. Employers benefit from staff prepared to contribute on day one. It’s about building sustainable futures for everyone.

 brightoncenter.com

Ohio Valley Goodwill

Mark Hiemstra, president and CEO

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s GoodWorks Pathways program equips individuals with the skills and support needed for meaningful, sustainable employment.

Participants receive career coaching, job readiness training, occupational skills instruction, and credentialing aligned with regional labor market demands. The program also provides wraparound services – transportation assistance, work clothing and referrals for housing, childcare, even mental health support – ensuring participants can focus on career growth.

Transitional employment within Goodwill’s operations allows participants to gain hands-on experience in a real workplace, and post-employment coaching helps them advance over the long term.

The program serves veterans, justice-involved adults, people with disabilities, youths disconnected from school and work, and individuals experiencing long-term unemployment. Services are tailored to each person. By connecting training, individualized support and employer engagement, GoodWorks Pathways helps individuals overcome barriers, grow in confidence and secure meaningful careers.

In 2024, the program served more than 5,100 participants. Employers partner with GoodWorks Pathways to access trained talent, receive guidance on inclusive hiring practices and benefit from improved retention.

The program shows that when nonprofits, employers and participants collaborate, talent flourishes and the community grows stronger.

 cincinnatigoodwill.org

The Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati

Monika Royal Fischer, director

The Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati strengthens the regional workforce by connecting employers, educators and service organizations. While it does not provide direct services, TCGC hosts three annual gatherings and a regional summit, offering a platform for sharing insights and strategies, and addressing systemic workforce challenges as a group.

As a partner of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, TCGC leverages national expertise, funding and resources to amplify local initiatives. TCGC collaborates with organizations including the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio, Brighton Center, the Urban League, and numerous educational and community partners. Together, these organizations provide training, coaching, and employment pathways for youth, returning citizens and workers dislocated by industry changes, while TCGC ensures alignment and coordination across the ecosystem.

Employers benefit indirectly from better-prepared talent pools, more efficient hiring pipelines, and guidance on best practices.

Though TCGC doesn’t track individuals served directly, leadership feels confident saying its work supports thousands of participants annually through its partner organizations.

By convening stakeholders, promoting collaboration, and elevating best practices, TCGC strengthens the workforce system across the Tristate region.

 linkedin.com,

Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency

Mark Lawson, president & CEO

The Cincinnati Hamilton County Community Action Agency equips residents with the training and skills needed for in-demand careers. Programs include healthcare certifications such as nurses’ aides, phlebotomy, medical assistant and medical billing and coding, as well as CDL training for truck drivers.

Beyond technical instruction, participants receive coaching on resumes, interviewing and workplace readiness, while transportation support is offered until their first paycheck. CDL trainees meet potential employers during the five-week program, and healthcare students gain direct connections to organizations hiring in the region.

CAA jobs programming is open to adults 18 and older, with income eligibility at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. It enrolls somewhere between 60 to 90 participants per program each year depending on funding availability.

The organization focuses its work on pairing practical skills with career guidance and employer connections. Graduates leave prepared for meaningful employment, while employers gain trained, capable staff ready to contribute.

By connecting training, mentorship, and community supports, CAA strengthens Cincinnati’s labor pipelines and helps participants build lasting stability. This holistic approach ensures that participants aren’t just earning certificates.

 cincy-caa.org

Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio

Christie Kuhns, president & CEO

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio connects individuals to careers, entrepreneurship and wealth-building opportunities that combat generational poverty. It offers the Building Futures, Urban Champions youth employment, Urban Tech Collective and SOAR (Solid Opportunities for Advancement & Retention) initiatives, alongside comprehensive case management services. Each initiative is designed to place adults and youth in work positions that offer competitive wages, professional advancement and actual careers.

Employers benefit from deep partnerships, with the Urban League aligning candidate preparation to their specific workforce needs. This includes job readiness training, professional coaching, credential support and ongoing post-placement assistance. It also gives guidance to participants on things like workplace expectations to help them succeed in their roles while reducing turnover for employers.

The Urban League’s programs serve more than 675 people annually. They include those navigating unemployment, underemployment or career transitions.

The Urban League’s impact is felt in careers built and families lifted. By aligning services with real-world workforce needs, the organization is strengthening economic mobility across the region.  ulgso.org

Audrey Treasure (cont.)

Greater Cincinnati; serves on the Community Advisory Council for the Miami University Regional Campuses; is a member of the Southwest Career Pathway Support Network Steering Committee; and just completed a six-year board term at 4C for Children. She also volunteers at the elementary school her three daughters attend, serving as a coach for Girls on the Run and treasurer of the PTO.

That schedule doesn’t provide for a ton of free time, but when she has it, she likes to read, go for a run or hike with her husband and daughters.

“She’s a great mom; she cares deeply for her family and her kids and is very involved in her kids’ educational experiences … (and) she does a lot of fun things with her kids,” Weir said. “It’s always hard, as a working mom, to balance all that.”

‘Snowball’ of positive change

Treasure also likes to keep a balance between fun and hard work.

ChristieKuhns

“I really think it’s important that you find joy in work, especially when you do hard work; it keeps you hopeful,” she said. “But we also have to get things done. I want us to be winning. I want us to really make change.”

She sees curiosity as key to that change. “One of the best things we can do right now is to be curious about where we can make an impact,” she said. “Things seem complex and big, and they are, but we can be curious and we can make inroads anyway.”

Cull believes Treasure and the Center have already made great strides. “I think our workforce ecosystem is stronger and more connected today than it was six years ago, and it is more effectively connected to the business community as well,” he said.

For Treasure, though, the work is just getting started.

“I want this to be a snowball,” she said. “I want the region to be a place where people can build great lives and get ahead.” 

Dress for Success Cincinnati

Meggan Thompson, president & CEO

Dress for Success Cincinnati helps women achieve economic independence through professional attire, career coaching and a supportive network. Services include individualized coaching, cohort-based skill-building sessions and monthly Women’s Connect events, which offer opportunities to set goals, gain confidence and expand professional networks.

Its Career Center provides resume assistance, mock interviews and job-search support, helping women feel prepared not only for job interviews but for meaningful employment. Dress for Success’ satellite locations in Covington and Loveland broaden access to these resources across the region.

The organization serves roughly 1,500 women annually across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Employers provide feedback and training, while Dress for Success educates organizations about workforce barriers and promotes inclusive practices. Emergingmarket partnerships help ensure training aligns with evolving employer needs.

Dress for Success’ mission isn’t just about landing jobs. It’s about helping women stepping into their careers feeling capable, supported and ready to thrive.

 dfscincy.org

Public Allies Cincinnati

Taisha

Rojas-Parker, executive director

MegganThompson

Public Allies Cincinnati develops the next generation of civicminded leaders through paid apprenticeships that last 10 months. Participants, known as Allies, work alongside local nonprofits, gaining hands-on experience while cultivating skills in leadership, project management, community engagement and systems thinking. Each participant contributes directly to organizational capacity while receiving mentorship, professional development and coaching.

Public Allies collaborates with nonprofit partners to shape positions, set goals and provide guidance, ensuring that both the organization and the individual gain value.

Public Allies serves up to 30 participants annually, with more than 600 alumni. The organization prioritizes young adults 18-30, but welcomes those beyond that age range. It emphasizes commitment to professional development and personal growth over prior experience or even age.

Over time, participants develop confidence, professional skills, and a network of relationships that extend far beyond the apprenticeship.

This dual impact helps cultivate a pipeline of civic-minded professionals who contribute to stronger communities and a more resilient local workforce, preparing a new generation of socially conscious leaders.

 publicallies.org/cincinnati

HONORING PAULKITZMILLER

President of Impact Autism

For over two decades, Paul Kitzmiller, President of Impact Autism, has been a dedicated advocate for individuals and families living with autism. His journey began through a personal connection: his wife, Laura, is the lifelong best friend of Diana O’Brien, whose three children are autistic. Witnessing the daily challenges the O’Brien family faced inspired Paul to take action.

The Datebook

FEB. 3, TUESDAY

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

 steppingstonesohio.org

FEB. 4, WEDNESDAY

Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Impact Breakfast 2026 | 8-9:30 a.m. Mayerson JCC, Amberley. Breakfast, program and keynote Rabbi Shira Stutman. Free.

 jlive.app/events/13960

FEB. 5, THURSDAY

Insuring the Children, Have a Heart | 5:30 p.m. Cooper Creek Event Center, Blue Ash. Dinner, drinks, raffle, auction, photo booth and keynote. Tickets: $150.

 insuringthechildren.org/have-a-heart

FEB. 7, FRIDAY

Cupid’s Undie Run Cincinnati | Noon-4 p.m. Queen City Radio, Over-theRhine. Fun run, drinks and dance party. Benefits Children’s Tumor Foundation. Registration: $40.

 join.ctf.org

Good Samaritans Foundation, Annual Gala: Gameplan for Good Sam | 6-11 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $300.

 9116.thankyou4caring.org/gala

FEB. 10, TUESDAY

Green Umbrella, Annual Impact Celebration | 5-8 p.m. ADC Fine Art, West End. Honoree: Ryan MooneyBullock. Networking, food, drinks, silent auction and music. Tickets $75.

 greenumbrella.org

FEB. 11, WEDNESDAY

Found House, Faith in Action Breakfast | 8:30 a.m. Community Action Agency, Pleasant Ridge. Guest speaker: Donald Hugh Whitehead Jr. Coffee and breakfast.

 foundhouse.org/fiabreakfast

FEB. 12, THURSDAY

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

Cincinnati Museum Center, After Hours: ’80s Edition | 7-10 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Food, cash bar and programming. Tickets: $20.

 cincymuseum.org/after-hours

FEB. 17, TUESDAY

Mardi Gras for Homeless Children | 5:30-10 p.m. Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Food, drinks, live music, marching band parade, silent auction, live auctions and celebrity guests. Proceeds benefit Brighton Center, Welcome House and Bethany House. Tickets: $100.

 mardigrasnky.org

FEB. 19, THURSDAY

Adopt A Class, Galentine’s Women’s Night | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Redtree Coffee, Over-the-Rhine. Guest speakers, food, drinks, photo booth, “love notes” station and raffle. Tickets: $50.

 aacmentors.org

HomeBase Cincinnati, Annual Community Development Awards Celebration | 4-7 p.m. Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine. Recognizing leaders, organizations and partners who make community development in Cincinnati possible. Tickets: $50.  homebasecincy.org

Queen City Book Bank, Gala for Literacy | 5 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Cocktails, dinner and raffle. Tickets: $150.

 queencitybookbank.org

FEB. 20, FRIDAY

Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Business Excellence Awards & Annual Meeting | 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. Networking, lunch and program honoring winners of Business Excellence Awards. Tickets: $75.  business.clermontchamber.com

The annual Cupid’s Undie Run benefiting the Children’s Tumor Foundation darts through Over-the-Rhine on Feb. 7. It ends at Queen City Radio with drinks and a dance party.

Green Umbrella holds its Annual Impact Celebration on Feb. 10 at ADC Fine Art in the West End. Ryan MooneyBullock is the honoree.

Mardi Gras for Homeless Children returns Feb. 17 at Northern Kentucky Convention Center Proceeds benefit Brighton Center, Welcome House and Bethany House

The Cincinnati Regional Chamber will honor four Great Living Cincinnatians on Feb. 26 at its annual dinner at the Cincinnati Convention Center. The 2026 honorees are Jeff Wyler, Karen Bankston, Pete Strange and Francie Hiltz

FEB. 21, SATURDAY

American Heart Association, Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball | 6:30 p.m.-midnight. Cincinnati Convention Center. Annual black-tie gala with silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $1,000.  ahacincinnati.ejoinme.org,

Human Rights Campaign, Annual Dinner | 5 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, awards and after-party. Tickets: $250.  cincinnati.hrc.org

Jack and Jill of America, Super Saturday Symposium | 9 a.m. Xavier University. Sessions, workshops and panel discussions. Opening address by Candice Brackeen. Register: jjcincinnati. supersaturday@gmail.com  jackandjillinc.org/chapter/cincinnati

Madi’s House, Hollywood Squares Game Show Gala | Music Hall Ballroom. Gourmet dinner.  madishousecincy.org

FEB. 26, THURSDAY

Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Annual Dinner | 5 p.m. Cincinnati Convention Center. Honoring Great Living Cincinnatians: Jeff Wyler, Dr. Karen Bankston, Pete Strange and Francie Hiltz. Also celebrating the 2026 We Are Making Black History honorees. Tickets: $250.

 cincinnatichamber.com

FEB. 27, FRIDAY

(City of) Florence, Books & Bottles | 6-8:30 p.m. Florence Nature Park Event Center. Small bites, cash bar

and appearances by authors Michelle Bennington and Wes Browne. Tickets: $10.  florence-ky.gov

FEB. 28, SATURDAY

Animal Adoption Foundation, Waggin’ Tails | 6-9 p.m. Receptions, Fairfield. Silent auction, live auction, raffles and games. Tickets: $75.  aafpets.org

Cincinnati Opera Young Professionals, Bacchanal: FUTUREGLOW | 8 p.m. Site 1212, Over-the-Rhine. Inspired by the new opera, “Lalovavi,” immersive fashion show featuring Afrofuturist designers and other artists, live performances and dancing. Tickets: $50.  cincinnatiopera.org/bacchanal

The Cure Starts Now, Once in a Lifetime Gala | 5:30-10:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Threecourse meal, open bar, silent auction, live auction and entertainment. Tickets: $140.  events.thecurestartsnow.org

DATEBOOK

DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Annual Pickleball Palooza | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Pickle Lodge, West Chester. Round-robin tournament for players of all experience levels with teams divided into skill divisions. Entry fee: $75.  depaulcristorey.org

Saint Joe’s, Pickleball for Possibilities | 3 p.m. Western Athletic Club, Westwood. Pickleball tournament.  stjoescincy.org/events

MARCH 3-4, TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY

Council on Aging, Forum on Aging | 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Keynotes: Therese Gopaul-Robinson and Kim Vesey. Coffee, pastries, networking, workshops and lunch. Final day to register Feb. 20.  help4seniors.org

MARCH 5-7, THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Cincinnati International Wine Festival | Cincinnati Convention Center. Winery Dinner Series on Thursday. Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday. Charity auction and luncheon on Saturday. Proceeds benefit a variety of nonprofits.  winefestival.com

MARCH 5, THURSDAY

Findlay Kitchen, Small Bites, Big Impact | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine. Small bites, full bar, program, paddle raise and raffles.  findlaykitchen.org

MARCH 6, FRIDAY

Make A Wish, Wish Gala | Music Hall Ballroom. Cocktail hour, dinner, live auction, silent auction and raffles. Tickets: $300.  wish.org

MARCH 7-8, SATURDAY-SUNDAY

CancerFree KIDS, Night for the Fight | 7 p.m. Fifth Third Arena, University of Cincinnati. Games, food and fun.

 cancerfreekids.org/nightforthefight

MARCH 7, SATURDAY

CORA, Bike & Trail Expo | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MadTree Brewing.  coratrails.org

Junior League of Cincinnati, Women Doing a World of Good | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Memorial Hall, Overthe-Rhine. Keynote: Elizabeth Smart. Luncheon, VIP reception, book signing, community resource fair and raffle. Tickets start at $79.  cincinnati.jl.org

Lord’s Gym Ministries, Annual Fowling Tournament | 9:30 a.m. Fowling Warehouse, Corryville. Pastries, coffee and prizes. Cost: $25.  lordsgymministries.org/events

Ohio Valley Voices, Gala | 5:30-11 p.m. Westin Hotel, downtown. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction,

‘Women Doing a World of Good,’ hosted by Junior League of Cincinnati, takes place March 7 at Memorial Hall. The event includes a luncheon, reception and book signing with keynote speaker Elizabeth Smart

Council on Aging will hold its annual forum March 3-4 at Sharonville Convention Center. Keynote speakers are Therese Gopaul-Robinson (left) and Kim Vesey

Woman’s City Club holds its National Speaker Forum, on March 10 at Memorial Hall. Keynote speaker is Gina Belafonte

MARCH 10, TUESDAY

Catholic Charities Diocese of Covington, Appreciation Dinner | 5:30 p.m. Receptions Event Center, Erlanger. Dinner and social.

 covingtoncharities.org

Woman’s City Club, National Speaker Forum | 7 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Keynote: Gina Belafonte. Tickets: $50.

 womanscityclub.org

MARCH 11, WEDNESDAY

Spirit of Construction, Lifetime Achievement Event | 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center, Loveland. Honoring Lifetime Achievement honorees.

 spiritofconstruction.org

NKY Chamber, Workforce Best Practices Symposium | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Kenton County Public Library, Erlanger. Roundtable discussions centered on theme, “Future-Ready Workplaces: Building Talent, Data and Culture.” Tickets: $70.

 business.nkychamber.com

MARCH 12, THURSDAY

Bethesda Lyceum | Hard Rock Casino. Keynote: Sampson Davis. Dinner, drinks and VIP experience. Tickets: $300.

 bethesdafoundation.com

HER Cincinnati, Her Unfiltered | 5:30-8 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-theRhine. Performances, reception, womenowned shopping market, drinks and light bites. Tickets: $70.

 hercincinnati.org

Bethesda Lyceum, presented by the Bethesda Foundation, features keynote speaker Sampson Davis. It takes place March 12 at Hard Rock Casino.

MARCH 14, SATURDAY

Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, Queen City Classic Chess Tournament | 7 a.m. TQL Stadium. Chess tournament with special guests: Maurice Ashley, Gregory Kaidanov and Irina Krush. Registration: $40 before Feb. 13; $50 after.

 ccpf.org

Rock Your Beauty, Fashion Show | 7:30 p.m. Memorial Hall, Overthe-Rhine. Fierce looks, bold beauty and disco vibes. VIP entry 5:30 p.m.; general admission 6 p.m.

 rockyourbeauty.org

MARCH 15, SUNDAY

American Heart Association, Cincinnati Heart Mini-Marathon| Downtown, corner of 5th & Lawrence streets. 15K mini-marathon, half marathon, plus other walks to raise funds for heart research.

 www2.heart.org

MARCH 18, WEDNESDAY

Meals on Wheels, Meals Madness Gala | 6-9 p.m. Cintas Center. March Madness-themed engagement, dinner, drinks, silent auction and program honoring the Haile Foundation and Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church.

 muchmorethanameal.org/madness

MARCH 21, SATURDAY

MARCH 27, FRIDAY

Cincinnati Museum Center, Omnimax Dinner Date | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Union Terminal. Three-course meal, beer, wine and screening of “Hubble.”

Tickets: $150.

 cincymuseum.org

MARCH 29, SUNDAY

Caracole, AIDS Walk + 5K/10K Run | 9-11 a.m. Spring Grove Cemetery. “Get Your Wig On” 5K walk, 5K or 10K run, and Lois Kay Kids Fun Run (ages 3-12).

 secure.qgiv.com, 

at

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April 18th, 2026

Oscar Event Center Fairfield, Ohio 5:30 pm

Make a difference for local children in foster care! Join us for dinner, dancing, and fun at Hope in Bloom!

Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, Hoops & Hops | 6-10 p.m., Purcell Marian High School

 mercyneighborhoodministries.org

Sponsorships & Tickets Available at www.hopesclosetohio.org/gala/ Hope’s Closet is a great nonprofit partner to our Sponsors! Learn more!

UC engineering alum Ray Brooks and his wife, Connie Brooks, are committing a $10 million e state gift to the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. The Brookses’ gift will greatly expand the scholarship fund they launched in 2018, helping more than 100 students until they begin earning income through UC’s coop program.

The Nuxhall Foundation topped a $1 million matching challenge from The Hatton Foundation, raising $1.25 million to push The Hope Center closer to reality. The 31,000-square-foot indoor facility, set to open in 2026, will give athletes with physical and developmental disabilities a year-round home, including a permanent arena for Butler County Special Olympics, accessible fitness spaces and community programs. The milestone pushes the foundation past $6.6 million in its $12 million Heading for Hope campaign.

The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration launched a five-ye ar, $5 million “Light After Darkness” campaign to expand access to care for patients with severe ocular surface disease, a condition that can cause chronic pain and blindness. The Cincinnati-based nonprofit, which operates Centers of Excellence in multiple states, plans to train surgeons, advance research, and build a nationwide network of treatment centers, giving thousands of patients hope and sight.

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The Ohio River Foundation received a $1.4 million grant from the state’s H2Ohio Program to create 30 acres of wetlands along the Scioto River in Pickaway County. The off-channel wetlands will filter millions of gallons of water, reduce flooding and provide habitat for dozens of species. The river supplies drinking water to more than 1 million people. The project builds on the Blue Ashbased foundation’s focus on conservation along the Ohio River.

Communities across Greater Cincinnati will see major development projects advance after the Cincinnati Development Fund secured a $70 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund . The funding will help fill financing gaps for major community projects, supporting affordable housing, essential services and job creation. CDF, a nonprofit lender, specializes in financing real estate development in underserved neighborhoods that traditional lenders often overlook.

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The Greater Cincinnati Foundation awarded $663,000 to 31 local organizations through its Vibrant Places grant program. Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, support arts and cultural programs, community spaces and inclusive youth activities. Recipients include the Contemporary Arts Center, Kennedy Heights Arts Center, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, neighborhood groups like Cornerstone Renter Equity and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, and nonprofits such as Canine Companions for Independence The largest awards will fund projects that activate public spaces.  Full list: moversmakers.org,

Music education in Northern Kentucky public schools is receiving new support through a $25,000 g rant from Billy Joel and his wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, via The Joel Foundation. The grant will strengthen The Carnegie’s Arts Integration program, bringing teaching artists into classrooms to blend music and the arts with daily lessons. The initiative aims to boost creativity, problem-solving and confidence for students with limited access to arts education.

Communities along Cincinnati’s Mill Creek Corridor will see new investment and revitalization through a $5 million investment from the Robert Wood Johnson

Foundation. The funding will bring affordable housing, economic opportunity and health improvements to neighborhoods long affected by disinvestment and environmental hazards. Greater Cincinnati Foundation will lead the effort, funding construction of 25 homes and rehabilitation of another 25. GCF will also partner with local organizations to create jobs and expand access to lowinterest home improvement loans.

Children in long-term foster care will benefit from expanded support throu gh a $280,000 grant to Beech Acres Parenting Center from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The program helps children in longterm foster care find permanent families. The funding will support Beech Acres’ work with Hamilton County Job and Family Services for children who cannot safely return to their biological families.

Greater Cincinnati artists are set to bring new projects to life with support from ArtsWave’s 2026 Inspire Artist Grants. The $205,000 in grant fund projects in film, visual art, performance and poetry, while offering professional development and mentorship. Awardees will present their work in July at the CAC. The list of grantees is available online.  Full list: moversmakers.org,

The Art Academy of Cincinnati received a $922,212 state grant for energyefficiency upgrades at its campus facilities in Over-the-Rhine. The investment by the Ohio Department of Development’s Advanced Energy Fund will help replace the Academy’s HVAC system, upgrade water heaters and improve building controls and chillers. The project is expected to reduce the Academy’s annual utility energy usage by about 46%. The Advanced Energy Fund helps educational institutions, nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses reduce energy consumption and operating costs. 

Winning More Grants Starts Here.

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Over $370 million in grant funding secured. Let’s Win More Grants Together.

Center for Respite Care

secures new OTR home

The Center for Respite Care is preparing to relocate to a permanent home in Over-theRhine after purchasing the former Uptown Arts building for $2.1 million in an all-cash deal.

The move, expected this fall, will give the city’s only medical respite program a 20-bed facility on East Liberty Street designed to support longer recuperative stays and clients with complex medical needs.

“For more than two decades, we have seen how effective medical care can be when paired with dignity and stability,” CEO Laurel Derks Nelson said.

The Center, which rents space on Republic Street, has launched a $5 million campaign to fund renovations, relocation costs and expanded programming. A formal move-in date has not been set.

 centerforrespitecare.org/ways-to-give

Cincinnati again ranks among most arts-vibrant regions

Cincinnati’s cultural strength earned renewed national attention recently as the region placed in the top 5% of U.S. arts-vibrant communities in SMU DataArts’ 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index. The index evaluates more than 900 regions using measures of arts supply, demand and public support.

Greater Cincinnati – which includes parts of Northern Kentucky and Indiana – ranked No. 42 on a list of 100 communities, continuing a streak of appearances dating back to 2020. Only 22 places have made the index at least three times since then.

The ranking highlights the depth of Cincinnati’s arts landscape, from blockbuster events like BLINK to year-round programming across neighborhoods and major institutions.

Cleveland, Columbus and Akron also landed in the top 100 this year.

 culturaldata.org

UC’s grant opens pathway to tuition-free college

The University of Cincinnati plans to ease the burden of college costs with a new grant that will make tuition effectively free for many lowincome Ohio students.

Beginning in fall 2026, Ohio residents from families earning under $75,000 who qualify for Pell Grants will have any remaining tuition covered through the Bearcat Affordability Grant. The program is open to first-time freshmen across all three UC campuses.

UC’s move comes as colleges statewide compete on affordability. Leaders say the grant strengthens the university’s push to widen access and keep more local students on track to earn a degree.

“This grant program will be transformational for students, families and for this region,” said Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management.

 admissions.uc.edu/affordability-grant.html

Convention Center reopens after $264 million makeover

Cincinnati’s convention economy is getting a major lift with the completion of the $264 million renovation of the Cincinnati Convention Center. The redesigned 750,000-square-foot facility boasts a sleek glass façade, upgraded meeting spaces, modernized technology and

a reimagined Queen City Ballroom with an outdoor terrace. New public art was commissioned from ArtWorks, Black Art Speaks, the Art Academy of Cincinnati and AGAR. A massive new “Cincinnati” sign anchors the western façade.

Mayor Aftab Pureval called the reopening “a monumental moment for our city,” positioning Cincinnati to attract larger conventions and boost downtown activity.

The project serves as a centerpiece of the $800 million Convention District redevelopment, which includes the new Elm Street Plaza and planned hotel and garage upgrades.

 cincyconventions.com

Cincinnati Recycling Hub shifts to membership model

The Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub shifted to a membership model, citing rising material volume and operating costs.

Most residents will need a membership to drop off hard-to-recycle items at the Lower Price Hill facility. The annual plan costs $10 a month and allows unlimited visits. A 30-day pass and one-time drop-off will each cost $15.

General recycling such as plastics, metals, textiles, Styrofoam and TerraCycle items will be included with membership. Universal waste, like batteries, bulbs and certain electronics, will continue to carry separate fees.

Shopping at and donating to The Hub remain free.

“We have roughly 4,000 households that we serve currently, and we hope that they all join … and more,” said Executive Director Chad Planner.

 cincinnatirecyclingandreusehub.org

A SUBURBAN OASIS OF CARE

How Valley Interfaith food pantry became a lifeline for 37K people

By Cindy Starr

In the north central suburb of Lockland, a transformational nonprofit is beaming out a message of gratitude and appreciation. John Keuffer III, CEO of Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center, thanks all who have enabled this oasis of caring to reach 17,000 households, or about 37,000 individuals, in 2025.

As awareness of Valley Interfaith’s role in battling suburban poverty has grown, it has transformed from a neighborhood food pantry to a million-dollar agency. While it primarily serves households from five zip codes in the upper Mill Creek Valley north of the Norwood Lateral, it has provided food, clothing and a road map for personal, spiritual and economic transformation to individuals from four Ohio counties.

“If you show up here, we’ll do our best to provide food,” Keuffer said. “We don’t get involved in politics. We don’t care who comes, how they come. If you’re hungry, we feed you. But we don’t want to adopt anyone. We want to learn what the deeper causes of your poverty are and provide resource connections that can help you live a sustaining life.”

When Keuffer joined Valley Interfaith eight years ago after leaving his position as head of the Sheakley Center for Youth at Lighthouse Youth Services, he found a vital yet fragile agency that depended on an angel donor to meet year-end deficits. Keuffer stabilized the organization, and by 2021 it was on solid footing. It had a small reserve fund and an expanded calling

that included collaborations with community partners that could provide addiction treatment and mental health care.

But growing headwinds – an aging donor base, a low profile and an influx of some 6,000 immigrants –threatened the agency’s existence. “People will tell you Valley Interfaith is the best-kept secret,” Keuffer said. “That’s the worst thing for a nonprofit.”

In 2017, the agency’s members –they’re called members, not clients – were 50% Black, 50% white. By 2021, about a quarter were Hispanic. And in 2023, well over a thousand immigrants from Mauritania arrived at Valley Interfaith’s doors.

Finding a solution was critical. “The reality is that gentrification in the city is pushing poverty out to the suburbs,” Keuffer said. “And there are few human resources in the suburbs. I believe we’re the largest food pantry outside the city of Cincinnati. We’re the stopgap. Just imagine 37,000 people in need of food! Meanwhile, you have thousands of immigrants coming who are not allowed to work because of their asylum and refugee status.”

Determined to keep the resource center alive, Keuffer set out to reintroduce Valley Interfaith to the county with an awareness campaign. In a pivotal development, he connected with John Pepper, the former Procter & Gamble CEO and Great Living Cincinnatian who had made a contribution in memory of a colleague and devoted Valley Interfaith volunteer. Keuffer cold-called, asking Pepper

whether he would share advice and feedback as Keuffer prepared his awareness campaign. Pepper did more than that. He helped Keuffer refine development materials and, with his wife, Francie, recruited additional prominent philanthropists, including Rhonda Sheakley and Larry Sheakley, and Lorraine Mayernik and Joseph Mayernik.

Successes followed. Among them are this year’s $3.1 million comprehensive campaign, which includes legacy gifts, programming and $1.1 million to begin renovation of Valley Interfaith’s building, which was donated to the agency in 2024. The renovation will enable the agency to expand its service area to reach more people in need.

“Someone has said we’re like the little engine that could,” Keuffer said. “We have provided people facing poverty a place outside of the city where they can feel accepted, where they belong to something. Mauritanians call us the House of God, even though we’re not a religious place. We were created to be about everybody, and it’s a mission we follow every single day.” 

The Ohio River Foundation added three members to its board: Brian Turner, an IT executive at Messer Construction; Doug Hart , a consulting and fundraising professional; and Joey Beyersdorfer, VP of sales and marketing at Clear Packaging.

The University of Cincinnati Foundation named Chris Higgins its vice president for development, academic health enterprise. Higgins, a veteran higher education fundraiser, will lead all development efforts across UC’s medical campus, including the colleges of medicine, nursing and allied health sciences, the Winkle College of Pharmacy and UC Health. The Cincinnati native most recently served as associate vice president for development at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin.

Justin Beale has been promoted to executive director of Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky He joined the nonprofit in July 2024, serving as development manager and then director of development. Meals on Wheels’ board also appointed three new members: Mike Bohmer, senior VP and financial adviser at Wealth Enhancement Cincinnati; Trisha Kassner, senior director of business development at Vaco by Highspring; and Aaron Seurkamp, president of the protection and retirement division of Protective Life Corporation.

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LifeSciKY, a nonprofit lab incubator in Covington, hired Alexandru David as an innovation fellow. This role offers undergraduate and graduate students experience in the life sciences industry. David is a senior at Centre College majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology and has already contributed to research in the development of several curative therapies.

Kat Steiner is the new chief development officer at SPCA Cincinnati. A 25-year fundraising veteran, Steiner has helped guide philanthropic efforts at YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Red Cross Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Region and other organizations. She’ll oversee SPCA’s fundraising strategies as it works to expand its animal welfare work across the region.

The Cincinnati Bengals recognized Rickell Howard Smith, president and CEO of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, as its 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker. The annual honor highlights community leaders in NFL cities whose work aligns with the league’s Inspire Change initiative, which invests in programs such as education, economic mobility and criminal justice reform. As part of the recognition, the NFL Foundation awarded $10,000 to YWCA Greater Cincinnati.

Hearing Speech + Deaf Center promoted Sally Quilligan to chief operations officer. A board-certified hearing instrument specialist, Quilligan brings clinical expertise and what the Center called a “passion for operations, nonprofit leadership and communication equity.” The organization also welcomed Alex andra Eby as director of development and marketing. Eby has a background in nonprofit fundraising, including experience with the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Two Southwest Ohio arts leaders will help guide CreativeOhio, a statewide advocacy organization for creatives and the creative economy. Gabriel van Aalst , president and CEO of Dayton Live, joins the board of directors, bringing nearly two decades of experience in performing arts management, including leading the New Jersey Symphony. CreativeOhio, based in Columbus, also named existing board member Colleen Houston, CEO and artistic director of ArtWorks, as board vice president.

Adventure Crew added Paula NyikaMakore , senior sales manager at Humana Healthcare, and Lisa Benzinger, CEO of The PLI Group, to its board of directors. They bring expertise in public health, sustainability and financial management to support the nonprofit’s mission of connecting city teens with nature and each other through outdoor adventures.

Loveland Inter Faith Effort Food Pantry selected Carol Rountree to serve as its executive director. Her nonprofit background includes time with University of Cincinnati Foundation, Inspiring Service, Inter Parish Ministry, UGIVE and more.

Visit Cincy Foundation for Hospitality Excellence named Janice Liebenberg as chair of its board of directors. The new foundation focuses on advancing the region’s cultural and economic vitality through hospitality. Liebenberg, senior VP of development at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, has experience in fundraising, equitable arts advancement and strategic community engagement.

Attorney Julie Bruns is the newest member of Crayons to Computers’ board of trustees. Bruns, a partner at Frost Brown Todd, brings deep community involvement and a passion for education, according to Crayons to Computers. The nonprofit provides teachers with tools to assist with student success.

The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati elected Jen Stein and Kayla Soroka to its board of trustees. Stein, a career financial professional, brings leadership experience from multiple Foundation-supported institutions. Soroka, a Jewish education and engagement specialist, has played a key role in young leadership programs and cross-institutional initiatives.

Kendall Fisher now serves on the board for The Center for Respite Care. She is executive director of the Street Medicine Institute, which brings health care directly to people living unsheltered. The Center also added Sister Thérèse DelGenio and Michael L. Grome to its board. DelGenio is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and Grome brings expertise in family and geriatric nursing.

Santa Maria Community Services appointed Peter Williams and Hunter Poindexter to its board of directors. Williams, senior VP and portfolio manager at Osborn Williams and Donohoe, returns to the board after previously serving as treasurer and board chair. Poindexter, an associate attorney at Calfee, Halter and Griswold LLP, has experience supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through the University of Cincinnati’s Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic. Santa Maria helps families in Greater Price Hill achieve their educational, financial and health goals.

Artist Chris Potoka has joined Independence Alliance – a nonprofit serving people with permanent disabilities – as director of art programming. He’ll transition later this year to oversee the nonprofit’s Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery, where artists with disabilities can enhance their artistic and professional skills.

Patricia Brown, who has nearly 35 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, hospital systems and community-based organizations, joins Central Clinic Behavioral Health as division director of Central Connection. She’ll oversee the clinic’s program development and service delivery, guide strategic direction and work to strengthen community partnerships across Hamilton County.

JUMPSTART Ohio, a Cincinnatiarea nonprofit helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives, named Matt Hunnell as executive director. Hunnell has 15 years of experience in prison ministry and reentry work. He served as chief development officer for The Refuge, a faith-based rehabilitation program, and as director of development for Prison Fellowship.

Jerel Stewart will coordinate the launch of ToolBank’s new academy, a program designed to help youth build confidence and real-world skills through hands-on community projects. A former ToolBank volunteer, Stewart brings experience in youth and young-adult programming, mentorship, and partnering with local schools and nonprofits.

Hannah Ross, director of learning at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra , is one of Musical America Worldwide’s 2025 Top 30 Professionals of the Year. Ross joined the CSO in fall 2025 and brings nine years of experience at the Rhode Island Philharmonic.

MORTAR added Mike Baker to its board of directors. The Cincinnati nonprofit, which supports historically marginalized entrepreneurs, has partnered with Baker for nearly a decade. He has more than 20 years’ experience at United Way of Greater Cincinnati, where he most recently served as chief strategy officer.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Ronald Stubblefield has been appointed to the International Economic Development Council ’s Redefining Equitable Economic Development Advisory Committee for a twoyear term. Stubblefield’s experience advancing housing and place-based strategies at GCF will help shape the committee’s efforts.

Matt Singleton is the new director of technology and data for Greater Cincinnati Foundation. He said his decision to take the role stems from his “passion” for using tech to “make our region a better place for everyone.”

Caracole promoted Carolyn Yorio to chief program officer. Yorio joined the AIDS service organization in 2013 in medical case management and moved into leadership of the housing department in 2019. She holds dual master’s degrees in public health and social work, with a focus on maternal and child health leadership and policy development.

Chad Showalter, former head of communications at Kings Island, is the new director of public relations for Kenton County Public Library. He spent nearly eight years at Kings Island and four years at Newport Aquarium.

Brice J. Mickey joined the board of directors of Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati and assumed the role of board scribe. A DEI strategist and facilitator, Mickey serves as equal opportunity program manager at UC and co-chairs the board of WordPlay Cincy.

EquaSion leadership added six trustees: Jake Campbell, Bakhtavar (Becca) Desai, Audrey Holtzman, John O’Keefe, Soumya Paul and Sameep Singh. The nonprofit uses interfaith dialogue to create programs that build understanding, respect and inclusion. Each new trustee will serve a three-year term. 

Whimsical Nutcracker Luncheon raises sweet $315K for Ballet

The 600 guests at the Cincinnati Ballet’s annual Nutcracker Luncheon were swept into the Land of Sweets at Music Hall. Guests enjoyed performances by Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company (CB2) and Professional Training Division (PTD) dancers, photos with costumed Nutcracker characters and other whimsical activities.

This year’s fundraiser, presented by the Oliver Family Foundation, the Unnewehr Foundation and the Williams Foundation, raised over $315,000 for Cincinnati Ballet’s stage performances, educational and community programs and the Otto M. Budig Academy.

 cballet.org

4C salutes ‘Champions’ at annual gala

4C for Children and guests joined agency President/CEO Dean Wooding for this year’s Champions Gala to celebrate those who are shaping the lives of children in our community.

Presented by PNC, the event at the new Mercantile Immersive, downtown, honored three local early childhood education heroes: Linda Lockhart, a longtime early childhood education trainer; Adia Molloy, early childhood education and community advocate, volunteer and donor; and Rokisha Quarles, child care center owner and special needs child care provider.

Emceed by board members Christine Gibson and Katie Bezold, the celebration also honored retired President/CEO Vanessa Freytag with the 4C for Children Impact Award. The evening included storytelling, dinner, a live auction and an afterparty.

 4cforchildren.org

Fisher Jackson, executive director/CEO of Cincinnati Preschool Promise, with Fatima Jones, owner of Champion Learning Center

Gala salutes power of leadership in construction industry

The Spirit of Construction’s 29th annual gala brought together industry leaders and partners for an evening that honored the power of leadership in construction – how knowledge, values and culture are passed down through mentorship and example.

The event celebrated today’s construction leaders while underscoring the need to cultivate the next generation. Each year, the event recognizes individuals whose dedication and craftsmanship strengthen our region’s construction industry. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Jeff Read of The Nelson Stark Company, John Steele Jr. of Hilltop Companies, John Strawser of Valley Interior Systems and Michael Griffie Sr. of M Pact, all of whose contributions embody excellence and service.

 spiritofconstruction.org

NKY Chamber Regional Summit a forum for women to strengthen careers

Area businesswomen of all ages and careers gathered for the 2025 Women’s Initiative Regional Summit, powered by PNC, at Northern Kentucky University. It served as a forum for women, with participation from supportive male colleagues, to share and discuss their career goals, hear from speakers and panelists, and leave with tools and resources to strengthen their professional and personal lives. Keynote speakers were Candace McGraw, former CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, and Patrice Borders, AmplifyEI founder and CEO.

 NKYChamber.com/WomensInitiative

Keynote speaker Patrice Borders

Men of Honor recognizes five local trailblazers

The 15th annual Men of Honor event, hosted by The Abercrumbie Group and company partners at Turfway Park Event Center, celebrated five African American men for their leadership and community impact.

The 2025 honorees:

• Clifford Bailey, president/CEO of TechSoft Systems

• Rance Duke , retired vice president of Fort Washington Investment Advisors

• Evans Nwankwo, president/CEO of Megen Construction

• H. James Williams, president of Mount St. Joseph University

• Barron Witherspoon, retired senior vice president, Procter & Gamble

This year, in addition to a $25,000 grant donation from partner 7 Principles Foundation, the Abercrumbie Group donated a portion of the event proceeds to award scholarships for five young African American men in the community.

 theabercrumbiegroup.com

The Force is with CABVI at ‘Star Wars’-themed fundraiser

Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the region’s leading nonprofit providing comprehensive services for people who are blind or visually impaired, hosted its ninth annual Dining in the Dark fundraising gala at Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino Event Center. The event’s theme, “May the Force be with You,” celebrated the magic of “Star Wars” while raising awareness about vision loss.

Nearly 500 guests gained insights into the everyday experiences of people who are blind or visually impaired by dining blindfolded and taking part in immersive activities like Jedi Training, a blindfolded challenge that tested their lightsaber skills. The evening also featured a silent auction, raffles and a “Star Wars” costume contest.

The gala raised more than $260,000. Funds will benefit CABVI’s programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

 cincyblind.org

SATURDAY 6:30PM CET SUNDAY 8:30PM CET ARTS

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

www.CETconnect.org

Women Walking West marks 10th year with RISE Gala

Women Walking West (W3) held its sixth annual RISE (Reach, Include, Support, Educate) Gala at The Manor House in Mason, marking its 10-year anniversary with an event that drew a record 540 guests.

Emcee Liz Bonis from Local 12 guided the evening, which featured Macarena Cloninger, senior vice president at Cintas, as keynote speaker. Marzieh Hatamzadeh was recognized as W3’s Mentor of the Year, with Christopher Hubbard of Sinclair Community College receiving its Beacon Award. Gala co-chairs were Ivy Banks of Xavier University and Ed Kuresman of MAI Capital Management.

Women Walking West is a nonprofit dedicated to removing educational barriers for foreign-born adult women.

 womenwalkingwest.org

Fundraiser a WIN for building opportunity

Working In Neighborhoods’ 2025 Hall of Fame event celebrated the people and partnerships that make families and neighborhoods stronger. Held at the Hyatt Regency, the evening brought together friends, supporters and community leaders to honor this year’s inductees, The John R. Jurgensen Company and Bobby Maly, for their commitment to building opportunity through housing and community investment.

With Local 12’s Bob Herzog as emcee, the annual fundraiser raised nearly $200,000 to support WIN’s mission. Working In Neighborhoods empowers individuals and families to make informed choices through community building, homeownership and economic learning. Union Savings Bank/Guardian Savings Bank was the event’s title sponsor.

 wincincy.org

Leadership Council conference delivers insights for nonprofits

Marking its 25th year, Leadership Council for Nonprofits’ Securing the Future conference took over Cintas Center for a full day of insight and discussion. The event featured keynote speakers Suzanne Smith and Patrice Borders, along with 11 workshops spanning executive succession, fundraising culture and other pressing challenges facing nonprofits.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation was the presenting sponsor, with Barnes Dennig as keynote sponsor. Interact for Health, Forvis Mazars, Huntington Insurance and 14 other sponsors, including Movers & Makers as media partner, provided key support for the event.

The conference furthered Leadership Council’s mission to maximize the impact of nonprofit organizations and develop their leaders so they can strengthen the community.

 leadershipcouncil.us

Easterseals’ Brighter Futures spotlights accomplishments

Easterseals Redwood celebrated its annual Brighter Futures Celebration at the American Sign Museum. Guests gathered for the event, which honored individuals and a standout community partner for their achievements and contributions.

2025 award recipients:

• Outstanding Community Partner: The Farmer Family Foundation

• Independence Award: Karena Girten

• Growing Abilities Award: Lucy B

• Spirit of Easterseals Redwood Award: Diamond Snowden

• Upward Mobility Award: Bentley Edwards

Easterseals Redwood is a nonprofit that works to empower children and adults with disabilities, people facing economic challenges and military veterans to live full and meaningful lives.

 eastersealsredwood.org

Gala helps foundation support families caring for ill children

The Aubrey Rose Foundation hosted its 25th annual Let’s Dance for the Heart of It! gala. The event, attended by 200 people at the Mercantile Immersive, downtown, raised $121,000, with Local 12 health anchor and medical reporter Liz Bonis as the emcee.

The foundation is dedicated to strengthening family resilience and alleviating the financial and emotional trauma of caring for a child with a life-threatening illness. It provides financial assistance, educational advocacy and emotional support to families. More than 10,200 families have received foundation grants, and hundreds of students have received scholarships.

 aubreyrose.org

Adventure Crew rocks & rolls at annual fundraiser

At Adventure Crew’s Summits & Horizons fall event, the nonprofit raised more than $80,000 through its “rock & roll” paddle raise to support its programs. The funds will help teens across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky keep exploring the outdoors this winter and beyond.

A highlight of the night was hearing Crew teens reflect on the connections they’ve built with nature and with one another. Author Carolyn Finney delivered a thought-provoking keynote on inclusion and representation in outdoor activities. Her appearance was sponsored by Duke Energy.

 adventurecrew.org

PWC’s fall cleanup draws

2,000

to help neighbors in need

People Working Cooperatively’s annual Prepare Affair volunteer event provided fall cleanup services for low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities throughout Greater Cincinnati. Around 2,000 volunteers gathered to rake leaves and clean gutters at more than 700 homes. One of the largest volunteer events in the area, Prepare Affair is an opportunity for the community to help neighbors in need stay safe and healthy at home throughout the winter months.

 pwchomerepairs.org

Prepare Affair participants: (Behind pyramid) Robert Ramsay; (on top of pyramid) son of Jeff Hitman-Mason; (back row) Jessi Frank, Teresa Popular, Dana Habig, Anne Ramsay, Maggie Zolides and Justin Frank; (front row) Jeff Hitman-Mason, Justin Wilkey, Mike Habig and Michelle French

John Creech, Anna Ehlerding, Gabriel Rhoads and Donna Hollingsworth

Laci Gray takes a selfie with Samuel Foulkes, Brian McLaughlin, Erich Stoltzfus, Rachel Stone, Joe Suer, Aileen Lawson and Charyl Mikles.

(Back row) Jeremy Cornell, Paul Tekulve and Dale Palmer; (middle row) Andrew Francois, Amy Poliner and Kendra Rahm; (front row) Jaime Meyer and Yousef Hattar

Learning Grove gala spotlights its educational mission

Nearly 200 guests gathered at the Hilton Netherland Plaza for Gala in the Grove: Once Upon a Gala to celebrate and raise money for Learning Grove, which develops innovative learning experiences to empower children and their families.

The fairy-tale theme included touches to cocktails and décor, and a full accessory bar for guests to add to their outfits. Attendees enjoyed a silent auction, raffles and games during the evening, which was led by WLWT anchor Kelly Rippin. Roger Schorr, Glenda Schorr and Elizabeth Schorr received the 2025 Charity in Action Award during the program.

 learning-grove.org

JNF-USA’s Tree of Life gala honors supporters of Israel’s future

Four hundred Ohio Valley philanthropists, friends and family of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Tree of Life Award recipients – Shelly Gerson, Jeffrey Zipkin and Dr. William Barrett – gathered at Cincinnati Music Hall to honor the trio.

The Tree of Life Award is bestowed for exceptional contribution to the Jewish community and the land and people of Israel. It recognizes outstanding community involvement, professional leadership and dedication to the cause of American-Israeli friendship with the devotion to peace and the security of human life.

The event also featured a keynote speech by veteran Israeli diplomat Shahar Azani, a passionate advocate for Israel and a frequent contributor to media outlets focusing on Israel, Jewish issues and the Middle East.

 jnf.org

Covington Business Council dinner honors ‘new legacy’

The Covington Business Council 2025 Annual Dinner, held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, focused on the theme “Ignite: Sparking A New Legacy.”

Mainstrasse restaurateurs Paul Weckman and Emily Wolff of Otto’s won the Founder Award for benefiting Covington’s economic landscape. Anthony Bradford of A-M Titan won the inaugural Ascent Award for achievements from the young professional sector.

The dinner, attended by 500, is CBC’s largest fundraiser, and was presented by title sponsor St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

 cbcky.com

Kenneth Webb, VP for sponsor Republic Bank, and Anthony Bradford

Paul Weckman, Emily Wolff and CBC Executive Director Pat Frew

Artful cocktail fundraiser benefits CAC programs

Contemporary Arts Center hosted its Cuisine Art Cocktails fundraiser, celebrating the city’s contemporary culture through an artful collaboration among local chefs, mixologists, artists, and business and community leaders. Mu Sinclaire was honorary chair.

More than 400 guests enjoyed small plates and cocktails from leading local chefs and restaurateurs, including 2025 VIP partners Chef David Jackman of Wildweed and Mike Stankovich of Longfellow and Mid-City restaurants. Attendees also experienced interactive installations, a performance by Grammynominated Jess Lamb & The Factory with Siri Imani, tattoo artists and after-hours access to CAC’s galleries.

Cuisine Art Cocktails raised nearly $180,000. Proceeds benefit CAC’s general operations and fuel exhibitions and education programming.

 cincycac.org

UC Foundation spotlights philanthropy volunteers

The University of Cincinnati Foundation recognized its Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Award honorees at the George Rieveschl Recognition Dinner. This annual event celebrates the individuals receiving the foundation’s highest accolades for their philanthropic and volunteer commitments to the University of Cincinnati and UC Health.

The 2025 honorees are: Dr. J. Brett Offenberger and Douglas Duckett; former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and Wym Portman; John Weidner; the Sigma Sigma Alumni Network; and Lucas Lodato.

 foundation.uc.edu

Cocktail party boosts Habitat’s Women Build initiative

An intimate cocktail party kicked off Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati’s annual Women Build campaign. Hosts were Carole Williams and James Williams and Melinda Stenger and Jerry Stenger. Guests helped raise $30,000 toward the $75,000 goal, with longtime supporter Fifth Third Bank serving as a key sponsor. Women Build unites women to roll up their sleeves, build connections and empower one another, while creating an affordable home for a local family. This May, teams will take to the build site, turning their support into walls, nails and a lasting impact in the Greater Cincinnati community.

 habitatcincinnati.org

Night for a Cure highlights advances in IBD research

The Southern Ohio & Kentucky chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation celebrated a record-breaking night with its Night for a Cure fundraiser, which brought in over $257,000. More than 300 guests attended in person at TQL Stadium First Financial Club and dozens more participated via online donations. Accepting the Uniting to Care and Cure award, Dr. Ted Denson of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital spoke about how giving has made IBD research advancement possible. Dr. Anita Afzali of the University of Cincinnati, who continues to show what it takes to make waves in the community, took home the Bing Hinton Legacy Award. And Melissa Bookout shared how acts of generosity and kindness helped her on her IBD journey.

 crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/soh-ky

Talbert House raises funds, possibilities at camp-support event

Talbert House’s annual Make Camp Possible event raised $123,000 to support Camp Possible, a therapeutic summer program for children coping with mental health challenges. The circus-themed affair welcomed more than 150 guests to Ivy Hills Country Club. As a result, 60 children will have the opportunity to attend Camp Possible next summer.

Camp Possible provides children with a safe, structured and supportive environment during school breaks. Campers participate in group therapy sessions and learn skills such as anger management, self-esteem and peer relations. There is no cost to attend. Presenting event sponsor was The Jackie and Roy Sweeney Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation; Emily Peterson and Peter Hiltz co-chaired the event committee.  talberthouse.org

Loren Long, Book Bank encourage kids’ imaginations

Bestselling author and illustrator Loren Long surprised students at St. Lawrence School in Price Hill with a visit. As one of 20 schools in Queen City Book Bank’s curated book program, St. Lawrence welcomed Long into its school library, where the author shared his creative process and encouraged students to embrace their imaginations.

Thanks to Long’s generosity, every second grader in QCBB’s Curated Book Distribution Program – nearly 1,000 students across 20 partner schools – received a copy of his beloved picture book, “Otis the Tractor.”

In addition, through its Book Bridge Program, QCBB partners with more than 160 organizations. One partner is the Freestore Foodbank. At the Freestore’s Bea Taylor Market, families shopping for groceries also can select free books. Curated shelves help families find age-appropriate and engaging books that match their children’s interests.

 queencitybookbank.org, freestorefoodbank.org

Goodwill’s Holiday Hopefest brings cheer to residents in need

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries opened its doors to the Greater Cincinnati community for its 23rd Holiday Hopefest, an annual celebration that extends far beyond a holiday meal.

More than 300 people experiencing homelessness joined staff and community partners at the Sharonville Convention Center for an evening filled with dignity, connection and hope for all.

Along with a warm dinner, attendees were treated to holiday entertainment and received winter hats and gloves. Children who attended were given teddy bears and were able to enjoy a craft station.

CEO Mark Hiemstra called the event a demonstration of the organization’s commitment to supporting the region’s most vulnerable throughout the year.

 cincinnatigoodwill.org

Elizabeth Schweinefuss, HER Cincinnati’s director of family support services, hugs one of the Off the

HER Cincinnati’s Off the Streets graduates take new paths

A ceremony at United Way of Greater Cincinnati with 125 attendees honored graduates of HER Cincinnati’s Off the Streets program. Over the past two decades, Off the Streets has supported more than 2,000 women by providing critical services to empower them in overcoming addiction, poverty and exploitation.

The graduates are working to break these cycles by completing the program and were recognized for their bravery and resilience.

 hercincinnati.org

Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate Price Hill center’s 10th anniversary

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Larry & Rhonda Sheakley Club in Price Hill with an event that brought together club members, staff and longtime supporters. The celebration honored the club’s decade of impact and unveiled a newly renovated space, part of BGCGC’s A New Generation capital campaign. Larry Sheakley and Rhonda Sheakley, whose generosity and vision have empowered thousands of young people, joined club leaders and families to commemorate the occasion. The celebration featured pizza and ice cream trucks, carnival games, a DJ set from Kiss107’s JonJon and plenty of fun for all ages.

 bgcgc.org

Pie fundraiser serves up generous slice of support for seniors

More than 300 volunteers packed 6,000 pies at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church during Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky’s annual Thanksgiving pie fundraiser. Corporate teams, community volunteers and Meals on Wheels staff prepared the pies for senior centers, nonprofit and private partners, Bust-a-Crust sponsors and members of the community.

Proceeds from pie sales and sponsorships help Meals on Wheels promote seniors’ independence and well-being through essential services. Sara Lee Frozen Bakery was the event’s presenting sponsor.

 muchmorethanameal.org

National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon

The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Cincinnati held its 2025 National Philanthropy Day event to celebrate generosity across the Greater Cincinnati region. The chapter’s signature annual luncheon took place in the Music Hall Ballroom and was presented by the Fifth Third Foundation. The event highlighted the powerful impact of giving on social services, the arts, education and more. Honorees:

• Philanthropists of the Year: Dianne Rosenberg and David Rosenberg

• Volunteer of the Year: Barbara Weyand

• Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Zack McGinty

• Innovator of the Year: Impact 100

• Outstanding Foundation: Scripps Howard Fund

• Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising: Jim Yunker

 afpcincinnati.org

The bittersweet nature of aging

I’mwriting this on my 70th birthday, sitting in the back room of my house listening to latecareer Nick Lowe on CD while it rains like crazy. The newly planted trees outside my window are getting plenty of water. I’d usually be doing something outside on my birthday. We had planned to go out to a friend’s farm and walk the woods to look for bittersweet, that vine with the bright orange and yellow berries that makes such pretty fall decoration. Apparently there’s a wicked invasive kind so it’s easy to find. But this is a true deluge, keeping me in this windowwalled room with a metal roof amplifying the rain. It’s a day for cups of tea and self-reflection.

Invasive bittersweet: I can’t help but think what an appropriate phrase that is for a 70th birthday. This is a sweet time of life. You should be so lucky to be 70. I have

all the great things: free time, financial security, a good family and the freedom to do whatever I want. But it comes with the tinge of bitter. I am amazed at how much stuff I know, but I can’t always pull it up from the memory bank. I have the confidence for travel and adventure, but I have to do it with my knees hurting. I truly am wise from my years of living, but things are so different, I’m not sure how relevant my wisdom is. I am solidly sure of who I am and what I’m capable of, but it’s that long time of life when women seem to become invisible to other people.

I’m sure 70 sounds ancient; it did to me not that long ago. Turns out, it’s not. So I work pretty hard to make people communicate with the real me, not a preconception. I work overtime to make sure I earn and hold on to attention. It’s easier because I can take advantage of the

I’m sure 70 sounds ancient; it did to me not that long ago. Turns out, it’s not. So I work pretty hard to make people communicate with the real me, not a preconception.

freedom that comes from having lost all my conversational filters.

Maybe I’m trying too hard. I could give up and let other people think I’m whatever they think old is. I have the choice of holding on to the habits and tastes of my youth, the ones I most truly care about. I could hang out with other baby boomers doing the same thing, and reminisce about the days rock concert tickets cost $5. But I don’t want to be obviously out of touch, nor do I want to relive what I’ve already lived. Or I could try to keep up, hang out with younger people, wear short wide-leg jeans full of holes, embrace AI. But I don’t want to look ridiculous.

Fortunately there is so much room at 70 in which to change, choose, reinvent, stay authentic to oneself, just a new version, a person who feels and acts one’s age without feeling old. I will always prefer flare-leg jeans, keeping a journal with a ballpoint pen, and will always put on Laura Nyro or Van Morrison when called for. I am probably never going to truly update my music preferences. I’m never going to use third-party delivery services.

Polly Campbell

win. Soon enough it won’t be my world.

The spindly native trees I planted in our yard that I can see through the rain are for those next people. It is a literal and figurative obligation of all people later in their life to plant trees. I hope they are appreciated after we have to move somewhere else. It’s also a metaphorical obligation: Some of that time and liberty we have later in life should be dedicated to making the world healthy and safe for those people inheriting it.

This music I’m listening to is a good example of one way of aging. Nick Lowe was a new-wave rocker. Rock is a young person’s territory, and a lot of over-the-hill musicians try to continue in the same spirit, with sometimes cringey results. But when Lowe was in his 50s he started putting out records that were full of songs that could only have been recorded by a person who’d lived awhile: They’re nostalgic, bitter, sad, regretful, though not always depressing. They are rich and adult and the definition of bittersweet.

That’s what I wish for all people my age, to draw on the richness of a life lived for decades, using the bitter and the sweet to be in the world in a way that is uniquely yours. 

But I am not going to refuse to understand the new feminism, or all the nuances of race politics, of gender switching or gentle parenting or working from home. And if I think new ways of living or understanding make me uncomfortable, it doesn’t matter, because new ideas and young people always

Polly Campbell covered restaurants and food for the Cincinnati Enquirer from 1996 until 2020. She writes monthly on a variety of topics, and she welcomes your feedback and column suggestions at editor@moversmakers.org

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