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October 2026
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Publisher’s Letter 4 Arts & Culture 6 Harpers’ art receives equal billing at CAM and Taft | By David Lyman 6 Five big things to do this month 8 The A&C List 10
FOCUS ON: Nonprofit innovation 18 A new ‘BEAM’ of light for nonprofits | By John O. Faherty 18
Senior Class of ’27 booking now!
Notables in nonprofit innovation 20
The Datebook 28 Social calendar shines a spotlight on the movers and makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s fundraisers, friend-raisers and community events.
Nonprofit News 33 Names in the News 34
Gifts & Grants 36 Snapshots 37 Adventure Crew breaks Guinness record at Paddlefest 37 Project Role Model garners $215K for BBBS 38 Pickleball tourney a smash for Talbert House 39 Women’s Fund event previews GCF data dashboard 40 Festival of Faiths celebrates unity in diversity 41 Movers & Makers ‘Knows’ how to Mix & Mingle 42 Bethany House celebrates 43 years with cookout 43 Golf outing injects funds into SVDP Charitable Pharmacy 44 Nature Center debuts conservation field station 45 Seniors Who Rock celebrates Pro Seniors’ honorees 46 Neighbor to Neighbor promotes cross-cultural understanding 47 Wild About Wine highlights zoo conservation projects 48 Taste of the Bengals scores for FreestoreFoodbank 48 M&M creates Ruckus at August happy hour 49 Three Junior Achievement Golf Classics help student programs 49
The Last Word 50 Polly Campbell: Corn, conformity and conservatives? Lazy stereotypes aren’t Cincinnati
Cover photo: Rob Reifsnyder and Beth Benson of newly merged BEAM Center for Nonprofits. Photo by Helen Adams for Movers & Makers.
helen@helenadamsphotography.com
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
3
PUBLISHERS’ LETTER
I
nnovation – the creative spark of life, growth, change and evolution. It’s everywhere around us; we only need to pay attention. Artificial intelligence has captured that attention recently, but there are other examples across the nonprofit landscape and we wanted to showcase some for you. Thank you to all those nonprofits that submitted nominations. Turn to Page 20 to learn who stood out. A prime example of a non-tech innovation is the recent merger of three sector-serving nonprofits into one powerhouse called BEAM Center for Nonprofits. We wanted to tell the story of how the process unfolded. John Faherty tackled the assignment for us; see Page 18. Another example of creative collaboration: The Cincinnati Art Museum and Taft Museum of Art are simultaneously exhibiting works by beloved local husband-and-wife artists Charley Harper (CAM) and Edie Harper (Taft). We asked David Lyman to delve into this cooperative venture; find his report on Page 6.
While we have a concentration of performing arts offerings in the Queen City, our 80-plus visual art exhibitors are scattered across the region, making it awkward for potential consumers of local art to view and buy. What are your thoughts about the creation of an Art District that could draw tourists and local aficionados, serving creatives, exhibitors and the region’s economy? And where should it be? Share your ideas with Thom. See email below. Amazingly, after just two years, BLINK and FotoFocus are again set to dominate our visual artistic landscape this fall. M&M print subscribers are receiving a map of FotoFocus 2026 exhibits. Please take advantage! Three additional creative convenings
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OCTOBER 2026
take place in early October, so we crafted a digest enabling your quick assessment. See Page 8. Polly Campbell has been stewing for a while about Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval’s appearance a few months ago on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, and she finally had to get things off her chest. See Page 50 for her take on what went wrong during this interview and why – tackling issues of race, coastal arrogance and entertainment at the expense of truth. We’re grateful for your attention during this crazy, turbulent time.
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• Casey Weldon, digital editor • Phil Fisher and Ray Cooklis, copy editors • All the nonprofits that contributed news and photos.
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Arts & Culture ARTS & CULTURE
The two Harpers
By David Lyman
Exhibits showcase Edie’s & Charley’s diverse art & talent
Y
ou know Charley Harper, right? At least, you recognize his art – those angular, redder-than-red cardinals? And the herds of raccoons, their beady eyes staring out from the gloom that surrounds them. Even if you don’t know those specific creatures, you surely recognize Harper’s stylized approach to art – “minimal realism,” he called it. It was almost as if a whimsical industrial designer had turned his eye to fine art.
And thanks to savvy merchandising, examples of Harper’s art are on countless gift shop shelves: mugs, gift cards, calendars, puzzles, planners, coasters, wind chimes, earrings, tiles – his images are everywhere. Harper is God’s gift to the nation’s museum shops. And don’t forget that famous mural facing west between Ninth and Court streets downtown. But what about Edie Harper? She was Charley’s wife. And, according to Brett Harper, the couple’s only child, she was “an artist in ability and stature equal to Charley.” But Edie, who died in 2010, three years after Charley, didn’t pursue the limelight in the same manner her husband did. Besides, when Charley’s fame started to spread, it was the 1950s. And Edie was a woman. How could she possibly expect the same recognition that her male spouse achieved? “I think she sometimes felt that she was overlooked,” Brett said. He tells of the time that Charley was asked to speak to the members of a local women’s club. Then, almost as an afterthought, the club 6
OCTOBER 2026
Movers & Makers
representative asked Edie if she would come along and pour tea. “As you can imagine, she was highly offended,” Brett said, “and you can be sure that she voiced that to Charley.” It’s far too late to undo that particular indignity. But an exhibition opening at the Taft Museum of Art on Oct. 17 may do something to boost the world’s understanding of Edie’s prodigious talent. “Edie McKee Harper: Modernist at Play,” touted as the first museum presentation devoted to Edie’s six-decade career, runs through Jan. 24. Just as significant, the Taft has produced what is believed to be the first catalog chronicling Edie’s life and career. The Taft’s 100-page catalog is dense with images and biographical information about Edie’s life and career. Just flipping through the catalog is breathtaking as we see the breadth of Edie’s work – not only her broad interest, but the excellence she displays in different media. The genesis of Edie’s show actually begins at the Cincinnati Art Museum, where Julie Aronson, the museum’s curator of American paintings, sculpture and drawings, was preparing a retrospective of the Harpers’ collective work. “I had this big niggling question that I couldn’t ignore,” Aronson said. “It was about Edie. I always felt that no matter how we shaped the project, Edie was going to get the short shrift. There was no way one exhibition could possibly do justice to both artists’ work.” Her solution? Reach out to the Taft. Perhaps they would be interested in doing a concurrent exhibition focusing on Edie.
Edie revealed as gifted artist “I think it’s safe to say that all of us were enthusiastic about the idea,” said assistant curator Angela Fuller, one of three curators who shaped the exhibition and catalog. “Originally, our thought was that it would be about Edie’s
photography. But once we saw the enormous breadth of her work, we knew it had to grow to cover her entire career.” The resulting exhibit will fill the Taft’s Fifth Third Gallery with an abundance of work: prints, paintings, tapestries, enamels, writing and photography. As dazzling as the CAM show is, the one at the Taft is likely to be downright revelatory. Edie is finally revealed to the public as a prodigious and gifted artist in all manner of media. Though Charley achieved enormous commercial success during his life, neither he nor Edie was fully appreciated for their roles as groundbreaking artists. The Harpers, you see, occupied a unique position in mid-20th-century art. The world of fine art has had something of a love/hate relationship with the Harpers. For many in the rarefied bicoastal world of high-end art, words like “successful” and “commercial” had become damning descriptions. You
could make money, of course. Galleries wouldn’t have it any other way. But being popular was a no-no. Charley was everything fine artists weren’t supposed to be. He was successful. He was commercial. And he lived in the Midwest. Not just that, but he and Edie lived in a suburb – Finneytown – that was as far removed from the world of fine arts as it could conceivably be. For the first years after they married in 1947,
ARTS & CULTURE the newlyweds had lived with Edie’s parents in Roselawn. Brett was born during that time, in 1953. Five years later, the family moved to a custom-built home in booming Finneytown, near strip malls, bowling alleys and an abundance of gas stations to satisfy the appetite of the gasguzzling, eight-cylinder cars that made their way up and down nearby Winton Road. Theirs was a “normal” life, though unlike most of their neighbors, the Harpers’ home – and studio – was tucked away on five acres of dense woodland. And the modest home with a massive wall of windows looking out into the woods had been designed by noted architect Rudolf “Rudy” Hermes. In 1960, The Cincinnati Enquirer included it in a list of the “newest and best designed buildings in the city.” The Harpers were as far removed from the romantic image of starving artists as they could be. No chilly garrets for them. No fifth-floor walk-ups. Rather, Brett’s recollections are of an almost idyllic life. “I never felt lonely when I was a kid,” he said. “There was so much creative stimulation. Charley was a workaholic. And Edie always had something different she was working on. I was always chasing them around, watching what they were doing. They included me in nearly everything they did.” That included long, leisurely days tagging along with his mother at the Art Academy, regular visits from art-world luminaries and even a camping trip to Maine with designer Michael Graves and his wife. They spent time with many Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians and counted the members of the vaunted LaSalle String Quartet among their friends. Architect Ray Roush and his wife,
visual artist Lucille Roush, were frequent companions and would go on to become lifelong friends. “I didn’t understand it at the time, but I was living in the middle of an amazingly fertile and creative atmosphere,” Brett said.
Charley’s craftsmanship Aronson admits that, in the course of putting together the CAM exhibit, she has developed a much greater appreciation for Charley’s work. “Naturally, I knew of his commercial success and, more recently, his immense popularity,” Aronson said. “But the more I learned about Charley, the more I became fascinated with him as a great artist. His craftsmanship was remarkable. And the paintings he made late in life are incredible.” Specifically, she cites a series of large paintings commissioned by the National Park Service. “We’ve been looking at reproductions of them for more than a year,” Aronson said, “but when the originals arrived, we were just gobsmacked. The colors are almost luminous. On the one hand, you think you know the work. And on the other – well, you really don’t.” One more note. Both of these exhibitions are brilliant in what they will reveal to us about Charley and Edie. There is something quite optimistic about much of their work, which reflects the unbridled positivism that defined much of the era. The nation had survived a
World War and had entered the jet age, the world of television and superhighways and cars decked out with enormous, fanciful fins. Suddenly, after more than two decades of deprivation, America was consumed by a booming peacetime economy. The Harpers, like so many people around then, were trying to make sense of it all. What a glorious way they chose to explore that period of American history. And thanks to the dogged determination of their only child, much of that visual record of mid-century America has been preserved. In the end, these exhibitions don’t just offer up the story of two gifted artists trying to juggle careers in the commercial and fine arts. They are also a testament to a son’s love and his commitment to telling the world about the extraordinary talents that were his parents.
Cincinnati Art Museum Oct. 16-March 7. “The Art of Charley Harper: Creatures Wild and Tame” cincinnatiartmuseum.org
Taft Museum of Art Oct. 17-Jan. 24. “Edie McKee Harper: Modernist at Play” taftmuseum.org
IMAGE CREDITS:
Edie McKee Harper (American, 1922– 2010), “Mt. Rushmore,” about 1955, cut paper and gouache on illustration board
Edie McKee Harper, “Under the Tree,” 1952, oil on canvas
Edie McKee Harper, “Untitled” (Black Hole), probably late 1950s, gelatin silver print
Edie Harper and Charley Harper, photo courtesy Brett Harper
Charley Harper (American, 1922–2007), “B-r-r-r-r-rdbath,” 1986, acrylic on canvas mounted on board
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
7
5 THINGS to do in OCTOBER
BLINK returns to highlight Queen City heritage and creativity It’s time again for the nation’s largest immersive light, art and projection mapping event to light up Cincinnati. BLINK returns Oct. 8-11, 7-11 p.m. each night. The free, four-day event stretches across more than 30 city blocks, from Over-theRhine through downtown Cincinnati and across the Ohio River into Covington. It features 80-plus large-scale projection mappings, interactive light installations and expansive murals by local, national and international artists. The festival has a mission to nurture a sense of community, connection and inspiration through public art. The 2024 event attracted more than 2 million people.
There are five concentrated zones for BLINK in 2026: Findlay Market, OTR, Fountain District, Riverfront and Covington. Replacing the opening parade is an opening ceremony and street party – Ready. Set. BLINK! – that will take place 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 on Central Parkway adjacent to TQL Stadium. The event will feature interactive installations, live performances, hands-on creative experiences and opportunities to create and wear your own
FotoFocus Biennial offers ‘The Long View’ “The Long View” – the eighth edition of FotoFocus, the Cincinnatibased photography festival – brings 74 exhibitions to 65 venues in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton and Columbus throughout October and beyond. This year’s theme uses photography to consider our place within the sweep of history and reflect on the past, present and future. And FotoFocus has a new home to host its own major exhibit and related events: FotoFocus Center at 228 E. Liberty St. in Overthe-Rhine. The biennial opens with a four-day program Sept. 30-Oct. 3 featuring exhibitions, receptions, artist conversations, tours and a keynote lecture by Daniel Immerwahr, a Northwestern University scholar of global history and U.S. foreign policy. “The Long View” also will spread beyond traditional gallery spaces to museums, schools and universities, theaters, nonprofit cultural centers, parks, hotels 8
OCTOBER 2026
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and libraries. Three Neighborhood Spotlight Weekends will put a regional focus on the biennial. Dayton will be featured Oct. 16-18, followed by Columbus Oct. 23-25 and Cincinnati Oct. 30-Nov. 1. A free Biennial Pass offers access to photography and lens-based exhibitions during October, along with invitations to exclusive events, including the opening weekend. At participating exhibitions that charge admission, the pass waives entry fees. FotoFocus also will offer free roundtrip bus tours from Cincinnati to selected venues around the region. Movers & Makers subscribers are receiving an exhibit map with their mailed, shrink-wrapped October issue. Look for a red FF among our Visual Arts listings on Page 14 indicating FotoFocus-affiliated events. fotofocus.org Image: Trevor Paglen, “Faces of ImageNet” (detail), 2022
light art – a true family event. Asianati, the region’s advocacy group for Asian culture, will again hold a night market offering food, beverages, entertainment and vendors along Court Street, between OTR and downtown. Hours are 5-11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 5-10 p.m. Sunday. Carpooling and the use of public transportation are encouraged. This is a pedestrianfriendly event. blinkcincinnati.com
Cincinnati Art Week debuts in time for BLINK, FotoFocus Cincinnati is adding another major arts event to its already busy October calendar. The inaugural Cincinnati Art Week will take over Over-theRhine Oct. 3-10, with exhibitions, artist talks, pop-up galleries and other events. Rather than creating another festival, organizers say the weeklong showcase will connect people with local artists, galleries and creative spaces. CAW intentionally coincides with the opening of the CAW logo FotoFocus Biennial and BLINK, giving residents and visitors another way to experience the city’s arts scene. The inaugural event will focus on the art scene in OTR. Plans are to expand into additional neighborhoods in future years, according to ArtsWave, which is sponsoring Cincinnati Art Week and BLINK. Events include self-guided art walks, vacant storefronts transformed into galleries, exhibitions and creative experiences through partnerships with 3CDC, Urban Sites and Model Group. The week also will feature artist talks, demonstrations and community conversations. The free ArtsWave app will serve as a digital guide to exhibitions and programming. Organizers have opened headquarters at 1417 Main St., which will serve as the event’s hub. The space will host open office hours and artist coworking sessions, while weekly Wednesday Artist Happy Hours 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Kinley Hotel run through Oct. 7. cincinnatiartweek.com
5 THINGS to do in OCTOBER
New MORTAR conference to address challenges that small businesses face Cincinnati-based entrepreneurship hub MORTAR is bringing a new national conference, “Our North Star – Destination Cincinnati” to Walnut Hills this month. The inaugural event, Oct. 8-10 in the Peebles’ Corner Business District, will bring together entrepreneurs, creatives, nonprofits and business-support organizations to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing small businesses. MORTAR CEO Allen Woods co-founded the nonprofit in 2014 to support local entrepreneurs he saw as navigating systems of inequity. Its Entrepreneurship Academy has graduated more than 1,000 people, and the organization has awarded more than $1 million in grants to alumni through its Iron Chest Fund. Its new conference will focus on
issues affecting people across the country – economic hurdles, changes in government funding, tighter consumer budgets and shifting procurement practices. “We cannot do this work in silos, especially right now,” Woods said. “Whether you are a business owner fighting for your dream or an organization standing alongside them in the trenches, Our North Star is where we come together to recharge, realign, and pave the path forward.” The conference will feature separate tracks for founders and for the organizations that support them. Founders will get practical business strategies and resources, while “ecosystem builders” will share ideas and work on ways to better support diverse entrepreneurs. wearemortar.com
CELEBRATING
RETROFITTINGS 2026: NOTHING AS IT SEAMS
StartupCincy Week celebrates ‘bold bets’ by entrepreneurs StartupCincy Week returns this month to celebrate “A Decade of Bold Bets,” bringing together thousands of founders, investors, corporate innovators and community members for four days of networking, discussions and founder-focused education Oct. 5-8. Hosted at Union Hall, a Cincinnati startup hub in Over-the-Rhine, StartupCincy Week showcases the region’s growing role in Midwest entrepreneurship. Attendees will have access to more than 100 panels, hands-on upskilling workshops and pitch competitions featuring venture funding opportunities, including a showcase offering up to $200,000 in investment from Connetic Ventures. Each day of the event focuses on a core theme: • Day 1 – Kickoff: opening keynote, community lunch, upskilling sessions • Day 2 – Capital: Cintrifuse annual meeting, venture panels, Best of Demo Night • Day 3 – Growth: 10th anniversary party, workshops and panels, breakout sessions • Day 4 – Students: fellows lounge, speaker series, founder panels Exclusive programming includes the VentureHaus lounge for investor-founder matchmaking and the Startup Clubhouse – a pop-up coworking and community hub at Somerhaus for startup operators. startupcincyweek.com
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The A&C List Also online at moversmakers.org ARTS & CULTURE | The List
FF denotes exhibits participating in the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial
Cultural Exhibits/Tours 1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks) | 1001colors.org By appointment only. Walking mural tours of Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine and downtown American Construction Toy Museum | Norwood. actmuseum.org Preservation and history of three-dimensional building toys American Legacy Tours | Over-theRhine. americanlegacytours.com Historic tours in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky American Sign Museum | Camp Washington. americansignmuseum.org Permanent collection of preserved and restored signs Saturdays noon & 2 p.m. & Sundays 2 p.m. Guided museum tours Archaeological Research Institute | Lawrenceburg. 812-290-2966. exploreari.org Hands-on educational experiences Behringer-Crawford Museum | Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org Artifacts and history of Northern Kentucky Betts House | West End. 513-651-0734. facebook.com/thebettshouse By appointment only. Oldest home in Cincinnati Brewing Heritage Trail Tour Center | Over-the-Rhine. 513-604-9812. brewingheritagetrail.org Exploring Queen City beverage history Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame | Brady Center, The Banks. cincyblackmusicwalkoffame.org Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Queen City contributions to Black music Cincinnati Fire Museum | Downtown. cincyfiremuseum.com Permanent collection. Historic artifacts and equipment Cincinnati Food Tours | Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatifoodtours.com Exploring Queen City food culture 10
OCTOBER 2026
Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. cincymuseum.org Thru Jan. 4. “LEGO Jurassic World: The Exhibition” Saturdays, 10 a.m. Cincinnati Heritage Programs “America 250” Cincinnati Nature Center | Milford. cincynature.org Nature trails and ponds amidst oldgrowth forest Cincinnati Observatory | Hyde Park. cincinnatiobservatory.org Oldest professional observatory in the United States Cincinnati Type & Print Museum | Lower Price Hill. cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org Permanent collection of equipment, tools and artifacts Cincinnati Zoo | Avondale. cincinnatizoo.org World-class fauna and flora Civic Garden Center | Avondale. civicgardencenter.org 1st Thursday, 11 a.m. Compost Tour 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m. Green Learning Station Tour 3rd Thursday, 11 a.m. Hauck Arboretum Tour Findlay Market | Over-the-Rhine. findlaymarket.org Oct. 8-11, 12:30 p.m. BLINK Lunchtime Tasting Tour Oct. 8, 3:30 p.m. BLINK Happy Hour Tasting Tour Friends of Music Hall | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-2787. friendsofmusichall.org Indoor and outdoor tours of Queen City landmark Glendale Heritage Preservation | Village Square, Glendale. 513-771-8722. glendaleheritage.org Permanent exhibit. Displays of Glendale’s history Current exhibit “Glendale: Looking Back Over 250 Years,” an America 250 exhibit Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Thursdays-Saturdays. Hourly guided tours thru historic family home of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” author and later a Green Book location
Movers & Makers
South Chicago Dance Theatre opens the new season for Mutual Dance Theatre, Oct. 2-3, at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. Oct 1, 10 a.m. African Americans and Abolitionists in Walnut Hills walking tour Oct 24. Deaf Day: Guided tours interpreted into ASL Heritage Village Museum | Sharonville. 513-563-9484. heritagevillagecincinnati.org Thru Dec. 31, 2027. America 250 Exhibit Select Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Spirits by Starlight Ghost Tours Holocaust & Humanity Center | Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate. 513-487-3055. holocaustandhumanity.org Media, artifacts, art and interactive exhibitions commemorating the Holocaust Imperial Theatre | Mohawk, Over-the-Rhine. imperialmohawk.org Oct. 10, 10 a.m. Tour of the Imperial Theatre Oct. 17 & 21, 6 p.m. Tales from the Shadows tour Krohn Conservatory | Eden Park. 513-421-4086. cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks Thru Oct. 11. “A Living Museum of Botanical Splendor” Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad | Lebanon. lebanonrr.com Fridays, 11 a.m. Turtle Creek Valley Flyer • The Lebanon Experience Oct. 10. Dinosaur Adventure Train Oct. 11. The Galactic Express Oct. 17-18, 24-25 & 31. Pumpkin Express
Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Permanent exhibit. George Rieveschl Jr.: History of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Mercantile Library | Downtown. 513-621-0717. mercantilelibrary.com Oldest membership library west of Alleghenies Milford Historical Society | Promont, Milford. 513-248-0324. milfordhistory.net Permanent exhibit. Historical displays of art, artifacts and more Mt. Adams Civic Association | 513-235-3957. mtadamscincy.org By appointment only. Historic walking tours National Museum of the United States Air Force | Wright-Patterson AFB, Fairborn. nationalmuseum.af.mil World’s largest military aviation museum National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org Permanent collection exploring themes of individual freedom National VOA Museum of Broadcasting | West Chester. 513-777-0027. voamuseum.org Radio’s golden age and Cincinnati’s role in America’s global voice Newport Aquarium | Newport. newportaquarium.com Showcase of exotic aquatic creatures Over-the-Rhine Museum | 513-813-7309. otrmuseum.org Oct. 4, noon-2 p.m. FF Walking Tour: Danny Ransohoff’s Cityscapes Through New Eyes
ARTS & CULTURE | The List Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton. 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org Outdoor art intersects with nature Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati | Covington. cincirailmuseum.org Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibited railroad yard collection RAPTOR Inc. | Milford. raptorinc.org Oct. 25, 1-4 p.m. Open house at birds of prey sanctuary Riverside Food Tours | 513-289-0035. riversidefoodtours.com Exploring Cincinnati food and history Skirball Museum | Hebrew Union College, Clifton. 513-221-1875. csm.huc.edu Permanent exhibit: “An Eternal People: The Jewish Experience” Star Walk | WEB Extreme Entertainment, West Chester. verseimmersive.com Augmented reality odyssey through the cosmos Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org Historic home, art collection and exhibits
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company | Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio. dcdc.org Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. “Spectra” (Victoria Theatre) DE LA Dance Company | Anderson Center Theater, Anderson Twp. 513-871-0914. deladancecompany.org Oct. 8-17. “Coppelia” Mutual Dance Theatre | Jarson-Kaplan Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-494-6526. mutualdance.org Oct. 2-3. South Chicago Dance Theatre Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org Oct. 27, 7 p.m. United European Ballet: “Cinderella”
Fairs/Festivals/Markets
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Regional market
Oct. 8-11. BLINK: Asian cuisine, entertainment and activities surrounded by art installations. BLINK Cincinnati | Downtown, Over-theRhine and Covington. blinkcincinnati.com Oct. 8-11, 7-11 p.m. Light and art festival Blooms & Berries Farm Market | Loveland. bloomsandberries.com Thru Nov. 1. Fall on the Farm Charm at the Farm Markets | Lebanon. charmatthefarm.com Oct. 16-18. Rustic gifts, furniture and home decor Cincinnati Coffee Festival | Music Hall Ballroom, Over-the-Rhine. cincinnaticoffeefestival.com Oct. 24-25. Java festival to benefit Ohio River Foundation
Artisan Marketplace | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. artisanfest513.org Saturdays, April-Oct., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ArtisanFest513 Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fall Fest
City Flea | Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. thecityflea.com Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Artisan arts and crafts market
Asianati Night Market | Court Street Plaza, downtown. anm.asianati.com
Covington Farmers Market | Braxton Brewing Company, Covington. greatneighborhoods.org
East Walnut Hills Farmers’ Market | Madison Road at Woodburn. ewhfarmersmarket.com Fridays, 4-7 p.m. Produce, baked goods and arts & crafts Factory 52 | Norwood. factory52.com Thursdays, 4-7 p.m. Hearts & Harvest Farmers Market Front Street | Dayton, Ohio. frontstreet.art Oct. 2, 5 p.m. & Oct. 3, 11 a.m. Halloweekend Gorman Heritage Farm | Evendale. gormanfarm.org Oct. 3-4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunflower Festival Oct. 10, 17 & 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fall Farm Fun Days Hidden Valley Orchards | Lebanon. hiddenvalleyorchards.com Oct. 10-11. Pumpkin Celebration
Tri-State Warbird Museum | Batavia. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org Permanent exhibitions of military and historic aviation Valley View Nature Preserve | Milford. valleyviewpreserve.org Preserved 190-acre farm and open land Vent Haven Museum | Ft. Mitchell. 859-341-0461. venthaven.org By appointment only. World’s only museum dedicated to ventriloquism White Water Shaker Village | Harrison. whitewatervillage.org Oct. 3, 2-5 p.m. Open house at preserved historic village William Howard Taft National Historic Site | Mt. Auburn. nps.gov/wiho/index.htm Historic home of U.S. president and Supreme Court justice
Dance Dayton Ballet | Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org Oct. 24-25. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” & “Force Flux”
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Hyde Park Farmers’ Market | Hyde Park Square. hydeparkfarmersmarket.com Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Regional food and beverage market
cincyworldcinema.org Oct. 2-4. “Traces of Home” Oct. 10-13. “Colors of Time” Oct. 23-25. “Never After Dark”
Lebanon Oktoberfest | Downtown Lebanon. warrenswcd.com/lebanon-oktoberfest.html Oct. 9-10. German-style music, food and beer
Esquire Theatre | Clifton. 513-281-8750. esquiretheatre.com Art and independent film
Madeira Farmers Market | Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Madeira. madeirafarmersmarket.com Thursdays, May-Oct. 4-7 p.m. Local growers and purveyors Mammoth Music & Arts Festival | 6th Street between Monmouth and Saratoga, Newport mammothnewport.com Oct. 4. Celebrating live music and original art Market Bleu | Contemporary Arts Center, downtown. marketbleu.com Oct. 17. Handcrafted products and fine arts Northside Farmers Market | Heart of Northside, Northside. northsidefm.org Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Regional food and beverage summer market Ohio Renaissance Festival | Waynesville. 513-897-7000. renfestival.com Weekends thru Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m.7 p.m. 16th-century music, art, food and culture Ohio Sauerkraut Festival | Waynesville. sauerkrautfestival.waynesvilleohio.com Oct. 10-11. Celebration of whatever can be made using sauerkraut Voces y Movimiento: Latine Performing Arts Festival | Various. dos-corazonesproductions.com Weekends thru Oct. 3. Latine theater, dance, poetry, music and literature Waynesville Fall Fest | Waynesville. waynesvillefallfest.com Weekends thru Nov. 1. Fall activities, games and ghost town village
Film Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org/omnimax Now playing/OMNIMAX. “Arctic: Our Frozen Planet” • “T. REX” Cincinnati World Cinema | Garfield Theatre, downtown. 859-957-3456.
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Kennedy Heights Arts Center | Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org Oct. 10, noon. FF “Sin Vergüenza” Mariemont Theatre by Cindependent | Mariemont Square. mariemonttheatre.org/home Screenings of independent films NightLight 513 | Covington Plaza. nightlight513.com Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m. “Hocus Pocus” Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. “Sinners” Ohio Goes to the Movies | ohiogoestothemovies.org Thru October. All-Ohio Movie Series Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary (various locations) Woodward Theater | Over-the-Rhine. 513-345-7981. woodwardtheater.com Oct. 6, 7 p.m. FF Female Directors Short Film Block Oct. 12, 7 p.m. FF “Man With a Movie Camera” Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. 2026 Hump! Film Festival – Fall Lineup Oct. 19, 7 p.m. FF “Within Our Gates” Oct. 26, 7 p.m. FF “Faust” Yellow Springs Film Festival | Yellow Springs. ysfilmfest.com Oct. 1-4. Narrative and documentary features, shorts, stand-up comedy, and live music
Literary/Lectures Barnes & Noble | Virtual. 513-972-5146. stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3408 Oct. 6, 6 p.m. Barbara Kingsolver “Partita” Oct. 13, 6 p.m. Bonnie Garmus “Peck & Peck” Cincy Bookstore Crawl | cincybookstorecrawl.com Oct. 2-4. Independent bookstore crawl on both sides of the river Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org Oct. 7, 11:30 a.m. Celebrating Self Series: Stephanie Dray and Laura
Movers & Makers
Photo by Alex Lee
ARTS & CULTURE | The List
Sandbox Percussion makes music with anything the group can get its hands on. See what they have to share this time, presented by concertnova, Oct. 25, at CCM. Kamoie: “A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams” Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills, Cincinnati. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. Open mic with Zeda Stew Oct. 14, 7 p.m. Voices for Truth seminar series: Toni Morrison Essays “Imagination & Memory” Oct. 25, 4 p.m. Semi-Colon Club book discussion: “Lovecraft Country” Joseph-Beth Booksellers | Rookwood Commons, Norwood. 513-396-8960. josephbeth.com Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Discussion: Karen Garloch “Stray Voltage” Oct. 8, 7 p.m. Discussion: Sophia Huneycutt “The House Built on Alligator Bones” Oct. 9, 7 p.m. Discussion: Travis Baldree “Legends & Lattes: The Graphic Novel” Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Discussion: Peter King “The Game” Oct. 19, 7 p.m. Discussion: Asa Drake “Beauty Talks” • Carolina Hotchandani “The Book Eaters” • Felicia Zamora “Murmuration Archives” Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Oct. 21, 7-8 p.m. Panel: Annette Januzzi Wick: “Chestnuts: The Comeback Kids?” Mercantile Library | Downtown. 513-621-0717. mercantilelibrary.com Oct. 5, 6 p.m. Discussion: Jonathan Cheng “Korean Messiah” Oct. 7, 6 p.m. Words & Music Lecture: Carrie Brownstein Oct. 13, 6 p.m. Discussion: Scott Anderson “King of Kings” Oct. 15, 6 p.m. Science & Nature Lecture: Zoë Schlanger Oct. 20, 6 p.m. Discussion: Pauletta Hansel “Understory - A Women’s History of Appalachia”
Poetry at Artifact | Northside. facebook.com/poetryatartifact/ Oct. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry night Roebling Books & Coffee | Newport. roeblingbooks.com Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. Discussion: Denise Derya Brandt “Istanbul Dreaming” The Well | Walnut Hills. thewell.world Thursdays, 6 p.m. Mindful Poetry local gathering Women Writing for a Change | Silverton. 513-272-1171. womenwriting.org Oct. 13, 6 p.m. Open mic night Word of Mouth Cincinnati | MOTR Pub, Over-the-Rhine. motrpub.com Oct. 25, 6 p.m. Open poetry mic
Music Annie’s Music Center | East End. anniesmusiccenter.com Oct. 8, 6 p.m. Bear Ghost Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. Silent Theory Bach Ensemble at St. Thomas | St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Terrace Park. 513-831-2052. bachensemble.org Oct. 11, 5 p.m. Bach Vespers Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra | St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Montgomery. 513-549-2197. bamso.org Oct. 25, 3 p.m. “Mozart, Prince of Music” with Cincinnati Choral Society Blues Dance Cincinnati | Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. bluesdancecincinnati.com/events Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Tuesday Blues Bogart’s | Corryville. bogarts.com Frequent performances
ARTS & CULTURE | The List Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com Oct. 7, 8 p.m. Robin Trower Oct. 12, 6 p.m. Lenny Pearce Oct. 30, 7 p.m. The Story So Far Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. Clutch Caffè Vivace / Jazz Vivace Series | Walnut Hills. 513-601-9897. jazzvivace.org Most evenings, live jazz Christ Church Cathedral | Downtown. 513-621-1817. cincinnaticathedral.com Oct. 4, 5 p.m. Choral Evensong Oct. 18, 3 p.m. Abraham Wallace, organ 12:10 p.m. Music Live at Lunch (Christ Church Chapel): Oct. 6. Wild Carrot Oct. 13. Mika Komuro, piano Oct. 20. Southbank Quartet Oct. 27. Walnut Hills High School Choir Christ Church Glendale | Glendale. 513-771-1544. christchurchglendale.org Oct. 1, 12:05 p.m. Violin/Cello/Piano Trio Cincinnati Arts Association | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. Niladri Kumaar (Jarson-Kaplan Theater) Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. “Outlander” in Concert: Echoes Through the Highlands (Procter & Gamble Hall) Cincinnati Choral Society | St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Montgomery. cincinnatichoralsociety.org Oct. 25, 3 p.m. “The Marvelous Mr. Mozart” with Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Cincinnati Civic Orchestra | Glendale Lyceum. 513-861-9978. cincinnaticivicorchestra.org Oct. 25, 3 p.m. Fall Concert Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra | 513-280-8181. cincinnatijazz.org Oct. 4, 2 p.m. Jazz@First: The Art of the Unexpected: Scott Wojahn (First Unitarian Church, Avondale) Oct. 29, 7 p.m. Big Band Series: Feels So Good: A Tribute to Chuck Mangione (The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout Square) Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra | Seton High School, Price Hill. 513-941-8956. gocmo.org Oct. 25, 3 p.m. Fall Concert Cincinnati String Project | cincinnatistringproject.org Oct. 2, 7 p.m. (St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church, Clifton)
Oct. 3, 5 p.m. (All Saints Episcopal Church, Pleasant Ridge) Oct. 4, 5 p.m. (Temple Sholom, Kenwood) “The Arc of Innovation” Cincinnati Symphony & Pops | Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org Oct. 2-4. (CSO) CSO & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Festival: Wynton Marsalis, trumpet; Nicola Benedetti, violin Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. (Lollipops) “Ferdinand The Bull” Oct. 17-18. (CSO) “Songs of Destiny” Alexandra Conunova, violin; May Festival Chorus Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. (Pops) “‘Psycho’ in Concert” Sarah Hicks, conductor Oct. 30-31. (CSO) “Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky” Kwamé Ryan, conductor; Gil Shaham, violin
Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. Composition: “Sonic Explorations” (Cohen Studio Theater) Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Adam Groh, percussion (Cohen Studio Theater) Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Wind Ensemble: “Trials” (Corbett Theater) Oct. 25, 5 p.m. Sandbox Percussion (Corbett Theater) Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Ariel Quartet: “Shadows” (Werner Recital Hall)
Fountain Square | Downtown. 513-621-4400. myfountainsquare.com Oct. 1, 7-10 p.m. Salsa on the Square: Zumba Latin Band & Diana Hoffman Oct. 3, 7-10 p.m. Fifth & Vine Live: TBD
Concertnova | concertnova.com Oct. 3, noon. “Between Forms” (Felicity, Ohio) Oct. 25, 5 p.m. “Cincinnati Sandbox” (CCM Corbett Theater, University of Cincinnati)
Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. hardrockcasinocincinnati.com Oct. 16, 8 p.m. Righteous Brothers Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Collective Soul Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Kansas
Ghost Baby | Over-the-Rhine. ghost-baby.com Most evenings, live performances in subterranean nightclub
Dayton Philharmonic | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonperformingarts.org Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. Hina & Fiona Play Saint-Saëns & Ravel
Classical Revolution | The Loon, Northside. classicalrevolutioncincinnati.com Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. Chamber music in casual bar setting
Ensemble Con Fuoco | St. Antoninus Church, Covedale. ensembleconfuoco.com Oct. 3, 7 p.m. “Many Rivers: An American Choral Portrait”
College-Conservatory of Music | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. Chamber Choir: “Stay With Me” (Christ Church Cathedral, downtown) Oct. 3, 5 p.m. Prep: Starling Showcase (Werner Recital Hall) Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. Brass Choir: “America 250” (Corbett Auditorium) Oct. 6, 1-8 p.m. Composition: “Sonic Installation” (Cohen Studio Theater) Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. Jazz Lab Band: “In The Tradition” (Corbett Auditorium) Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Musica Nova: “Night and Fog: Contemporary Iranian-American Music” (Cohen Studio Theater) Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Michael Unger, harpsichord (Werner Recital Hall) Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. Wind Symphony: “Symphonic Metamorphosis” (Corbett Auditorium) Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Philharmonia: “Mahler Four” (Corbett Auditorium) Oct. 17, 5 p.m. Prep: Starling Chamber Orchestra (Werner Recital Hall) Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. Chorale: “How Can I Keep From Singing?” (St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Forestville) Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Jazz Orchestra: “Swingin’ For The Fences” (Corbett Theater) Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Donna Loewy, piano; Daniel Weeks, tenor; Elliot Madore, baritone (Werner Recital Hall) Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. Conservatory Series: “Grand Tradition” (Werner Recital Hall)
Fairfield Community Arts Center | Fairfield. 513-867-5348. fairfield-city.org Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Mike Massé
The Härth Room | Downtown. theharthroom.com/music Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Live jazz Heritage Bank Center | Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com Oct. 22, 7 p.m. Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour Irish Heritage Center | Columbia Tusculum. 513-533-0100. cincyirish.org Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Pub Music Night
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Sublime music in worship and concert Friday, October 2 | 8:00 pm The Little Matchgirl Passion Sunday, October 4 | 5:00 pm Choral Evensong (Pre-service organ recital at 4:30 pm) Sunday, October 18 | 3:00 pm Organ Recital Sunday, November 1 | 5:00 pm Duruflé’s Requiem
Learn more: cincinnaticathedral.com
513-621-1817 Phone Address 318 E. 4th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 hello@cccath.org Email
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ARTS & CULTURE | The List Kentucky Symphony Orchestra | Greaves Concert Hall, Northern Kentucky University. 859-431-6216. kyso.org Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. “O Sole Trio” Knox Church | Hyde Park. 513-321-2573. knox.org/music Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Yale Whiffenpoofs Linton Chamber Music | 513-381-6868. lintonmusic.org Oct. 11, 4 p.m. “Romantic Conversations” Espressivo! Piano Quartet (First Unitarian Church, Avondale) Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. “Romantic Conversations” Espressivo! Piano Quartet (Congregation Beth Adam, Loveland) Linton Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions | 513-381-6868. peanutbutterandjam.org Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m. (Downtown Branch Library) Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. (Heritage Presbyterian Church, Mason) Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m. (Sycamore Presbyterian Church, Symmes Township) Oct. 13, 6 p.m. (Norwood Branch Library) Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. (Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church) Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m. Sensory Friendly (Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church) Oct. 21, 6 p.m. (Cincinnati Public Radio, Evanston) Oct. 24, 10:30 a.m. (Union Presbyterian Church) Longworth-Anderson Series | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. longworth-andersonseries.com Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Andrew McMahon w/ Ivory Layne Ludlow Garage | Clifton. ludlowgaragecincinnati.com Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. Los Lonely Boys Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. Demola Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. Lotus Land Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. Vanilla Fudge Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. Melissa Manchester Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. 40 Fingers Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Karyn White Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. Hiromi Oct. 14-15, 7:30 p.m. John Scofield’s “Electrospective” Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Euge Groove Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. Mike Dawes Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. King’s X Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. Emma Nissen Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Vitamin String Quartet and Girl Named Tom
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Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. Yellow Brick Joel Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. Pink Talking Fish Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. Pet Sounds Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. Orleans Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Phillip Phillips Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. BLKBOK Ludlow Rail Sessions | Ludlow, Ky. infinitehills.com Oct. 14, 6 p.m. Community concert series Matinée Musicale | Memorial Hall, Overthe-Rhine. matineemusicalecincinnati.org Oct. 25, 3 p.m. Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano; and Kathleen Kelly, piano MegaCorp Pavilion at Ovation | Newport. promowestlive.com Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m. Modest Mouse Oct. 20, 7 p.m. Sugar Oct. 28, 7 p.m. The Living Tombstone Memorial Hall | Over-the-Rhine. memorialhallotr.com Oct. 4, 7 p.m. Holly Bowling Oct. 16, 8 p.m. A Man Named Cash Oct. 21, 8 p.m. Tristan McIntosh: “The Linda Ronstadt Experience” Oct. 22, 8 p.m. Emmaline: “The Great American Songbook Reimagined” Oct. 30, 8 p.m. A Farewell to Kings (Rush Tribute) Muse Café | Westwood. musecafecincy.com/events Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Phil DeGreg Trio Thursdays, 6 p.m. Pete Papania Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Muse Sings the Blues series Musica Sacra | Cathedral Basilica, Covington. 513-385-5583. musica-sacra.org Oct. 25, 4 p.m. Fanny Mendelssohn: Oratorio on Scenes from the Bible Paycor Stadium | The Banks. bengals.com/stadium/concerts Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. Usher + Chris Brown Queen City Balladeers | Leo Coffeehouse, Zion United Church of Christ, Norwood. queencityballadeers.org Oct. 4. Laughin’ Lizards, All Those Who Wander, Riley School Oct. 11. Liz Bowater, BreAnne Stone Oct. 18. Open Mic Oct. 25. Jen Howard Radio Artifact | Northside. radioartifact.com Sundays, 5 p.m. Open jam Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Flight 88 Classical Music Series Thursdays, 7 p.m. Open jazz
Movers & Makers
Superstar mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton makes a welcome return visit thanks to Matinée Musicale, Oct. 25, at Memorial Hall. Riverbend Music Center | Anderson Twp. 513-232-6220. riverbend.org Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Brantley Gilbert Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. Godsmack
Trinity Episcopal Church | Covington. 859-431-1786. trinitycovington.org Oct. 21, 12:15 p.m. Midday Musical Menu: CCM organ students
St. Gertrude Parish Sacred Music Series | Madeira. stgertrude.org Oct. 31, 7 p.m. All Saints’ Vigil
Vocal Arts Ensemble | Summit Country Day Chapel, O’Bryonville. 513-381-3300. vaecinci.com Oct. 9 & 10, 8 p.m. “The Deer’s Cry: A Meditative Journey,” music by Arvo Pärt, Josquin de Prez and Heinrich Schütz
School for Creative & Performing Arts | MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. 513-363-8100. scpa.cps-k12.org Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m. Fund Concert Fundraiser Schwartz’s Point | Five Points, Over-the-Rhine. thepointclub.weebly.com Thursdays-Sundays. Live jazz Sorg Opera House | Middletown. sorgoperahouse.org Oct. 17, 8 p.m. Mamma Mania The American Tribute to ABBA Oct. 31, 8 p.m. The Belairs Show Band Southgate House | Newport. 859-431-2201. southgatehouse.com Nightly rock, alternative, blues, etc. Summermusik | ARCO, Price Hill. 513-723-1182. summermusik.org Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. “Your Brain on Music” Symphony Hotel & Vivaldi’s Restaurant | Over-the-Rhine. symphonyhotel.com Thursday-Saturday evenings, Live jazz trio Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org Oct. 2, 8 p.m. John Waite Oct. 9, 8 p.m. Tab Benoit Oct. 14, 8 p.m. “Ghostbusters” In Concert Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Zach Williams Oct. 25, 7 p.m. The Fab Four Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. BEAT Oct. 30, 8 p.m. “Rocky” In Concert
Washington Park | Over-the-Rhine. washingtonpark.org/events ◆ 6 p.m. Jazz at the Park: Oct. 5. Jordan Pollard Trio Oct. 12. Queen City Cabaret Oct. 19. Daniel Bennett & the Dirty Shirleys Oct. 26. Dixie Karas Xavier Music Series | Northside Tavern, Northside. 513-745-3161. xavier.edu/musicseries Oct. 8, 8 p.m. The Bad Plus Young Professionals Choral Collective | Memorial Hall, Over-the Rhine. 513-601-8699. ypccsing.org Oct. 20. “Roots: A Celebration of Where We Come From”
Opera College-Conservatory of Music | Corbett Auditorium, University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu Oct. 29-31. Puccini: “La Bohème” Queen City Opera | Arts Center at Dunham, Price Hill. 513-503-8323. queencityopera.org Oct. 17-18, 3 p.m. Mozart: “Così fan tutte”
ARTS & CULTURE | The List
Theater/Comedy Angelico Project | St. Monica St. George, Clifton Heights. angelicoproject.org Oct. 7, 7-9 p.m. Improv Night Oct. 19, 7 p.m. Theater Group Brady Music Center | The Banks, downtown. bradymusiccenter.com Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Nurse John Broadway Across America | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-721-3344. cincinnati.broadway.com Oct. 20-25. “BOOP! The Musical” The Carnegie | Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com Oct. 23-Nov. 1. “Carrie: The Musical” The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | Emery Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. 513-569-8080 x10. thechildrenstheatre.com Oct. 9-25. “Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Jr.” Cincinnati Arts Association | Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincinnatiarts.org Oct. 3, 2 p.m. “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE” Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. “The Sixties Show” Cincinnati Landmark Productions | Covedale Center, Price Hill. 513-241-6550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com Oct. 8-Nov. 1. “Once Upon A Mattress” Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. cincyplaywrights.org Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. “What Might Have Been” by Leo Bradley Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Over-the-Rhine. 513-381-2273. cincyshakes.com Oct. 9-31. “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” Clifton Players | Liberty Exhibition Hall, Northside. 513-813-7469. cliftonperformancetheatre.com Thru Oct. 4. “Orphans” College-Conservatory of Music | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. ccm.uc.edu Oct. 1-3. “Intimate Apparel” (Cohen Studio Theater) Oct. 23-Nov. 1. “Carrie: The Musical” (The Carnegie, Covington)
Commonwealth Sanctuary | Dayton, Ky. commonwealthcomedyclub.com Comedy shows Dayton Live Broadway Series | Schuster Center, Dayton, Ohio. daytonlive.org/series/broadway Oct. 6-11. “The Notebook” Dayton Playhouse | Dayton, Ohio. daytonplayhouse.com Thru Oct. 4. “Annie” The Dinner Detective | Embassy Suites Rivercenter, Covington. thedinnerdetective.com/cincinnati Saturdays, 6 p.m. Murder Mystery Dinner Show Drama Workshop | Cheviot. 513-598-8303. thedramaworkshop.org Oct. 2-18. “Misery” Ensemble Theatre | Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-3555. ensemblecincinnati.org Oct. 13-Nov. 1. “Mrs. Mannerly” Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. “Goldilocks Rocks!” Funny Bone | Liberty Twp. liberty.funnybone.com Comedy shows
Kincaid Regional Theatre | Falmouth. 859-654-2636. krtshows.com Oct. 15-17. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Middletown Lyric Theatre | Sorg Opera House, Middletown. 513-425-7140. middletownlyric.org Oct. 2-4. “Master Class”
Know Theatre | Over-the-Rhine. 513-300-5669. knowtheatre.com Oct. 22-30. “octKNOWber Nights” spooky programming
Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. nku.edu/artsci/sota/theatre Thru Oct. 5. “Little Women: The Musical” (Stauss Theatre) Oct. 23-Nov. 1. “Titus Andronicus: A Revenge Tragedy” (Stauss Theatre)
La Comedia Dinner Theatre | Springboro. 800-677-9505. lacomedia.com Oct. 1-Nov. 8. “Something Rotten” Oct. 13-24. “Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” Lebanon Theatre Company | Lebanon. 513-932-8300. ltcplays.com Oct. 2-11. “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” Loveland Stage Company | Loveland. 513-443-4572. lovelandstagecompany.org Oct. 9-25. “Into The Woods” Mason Community Players | Mason Community Playhouse, Mason. 513-398-7804. masonplayers.org Oct. 2-10. “Decision Height” Miami University | Oxford. miamioh.edu/cca/departments/theatre Oct. 28-Nov. 1. “Dracula”
OTRImprov | Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine. otrimprov.com Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Improv jam shows Oct. 15-17. IF Cincy: Improv Festival of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | Mt. Adams. 513-421-3888. cincyplay.com Thru Oct. 11. “Heist” (Rouse Theatre) Thru Oct. 25. “Talk” (Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre) Oct. 2-3. Made in Cincy: New Works Festival - “Ophelia’s Ghost” by Amy Berryman • “The Myth of The Two Marcos” by Tony Meneses • “The Best Little Cat House in Scab Holler” by Maggie Lou Rader Oct. 17-Nov. 7. “Get Happy:” Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland (Rouse Theatre)
The Ghostlight Stage Company | Playhouse in the Park, Mt. Adams. theghostlightstageco.com Oct. 18-19, 7 p.m. One Act Double Feature: “Trauma Makes Great Drama” and “Waiting For Laura” Go Bananas Comedy Club | Montgomery. gobananascomedy.com/main Comedy shows Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre | Parrish Auditorium, Hamilton. 513-737-7529. ghctplay.org Oct. 1-4. “1776” Hard Rock Casino | Downtown. casino. hardrock.com/cincinnati Oct. 9, 8 p.m. Mike Epps, comedian Oct. 23, 8 p.m. Zarna Garg, comedian Human Race Theatre | Loft Theatre, Dayton, Ohio. humanracetheatre.org Oct. 14-25. “Salem: Blood To Drink” Improv Cincinnati | Clifton Performance Theatre, Clifton. improvcincinnati.com Thursday-Saturday evenings. Comedy shows
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ARTS & CULTURE | The List Taft Theatre | Downtown. tafttheatre.org Oct. 1, 7 p.m. Tig Notaro, comedian Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Don Lemon & DL Hughley, comedians Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. Brad Williams, comedian Oct. 11, 3 p.m. “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Alton Brown Oct. 23, 8 p.m. Jo Koy, comedian True Theatre | Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. truetheatre.org Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. “trueSPIRIT” Village Players | Ft. Thomas. 859-392-0500. villageplayers.org Thru Oct. 3. “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” Visionaries & Voices | Northside Tavern. 513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com Oct. 10, 9-11 p.m. “Show of Hand” Puppet Cabaret Xavier University | Gallagher Theater. 513-745-3939. xavier.edu/theatre-program Oct. 23-31. “The Rocky Horror Show”
Visual Art FF denotes exhibits participating in the 2026 FotoFocus Biennial 1001 Colors (formerly ArtWorks) | Walnut Hills. 513-333-0388. 1001colors.org Thru Nov. 4. FF HATSUE: “Sense of Tomorrow” Oct. 1-31. FF Romain Mayambi: “Athletes in Unconventional Spaces” Reception: Oct. 2, 4-7 p.m. 21c Museum Hotel | Downtown. 513578-6600. 21cmuseumhotels.com/cincinnati Ongoing exhibits of contemporary art Algin Furniture/Art Loft | Downtown. alginfurniture.com New gallery space The Annex Gallery | Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine. annexgallery.org Thru Oct. 31. Juan-Sí González: “I.T.I.N.E.R.A.T.I.O.N.S” Art Academy of Cincinnati | Over-theRhine. 513-562-6262. artacademy.edu Oct. 9-31. FF Accra Shepp “Bearing Witness” • Noel Maghathe: “Over Everything” • “Untwined / Interwoven” • “Depth of Field” Receptions: Oct. 16, 5-8 p.m.
Art on Vine | Elm Street Plaza, downtown. artonvinecincy.com Oct. 4, noon-6 p.m. Summer Residency ARTclectic Gallery | Silverton. 513-822-5200. artclecticgallery.com Oct. 2-24. ViewPoint 58 Show ArtsConnect | Springfield Twp. theartsconnect.us Oct. 1-Nov. 21. FF Romain Mayambi: “100 Years From Here” Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center | Covington. 859-431-0020. bakerhunt.org Oct. 9-Nov. 6. “Material Memory” The Barn | Mariemont. 513-272-3700. thebarninmariemont.org Thru Oct. 6. Mariemont City Schools x Ukraine Oct. 10-27. Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati: All Member Show 2026. Reception: Oct. 11, 1:30-5 p.m. Oct. 17, 6-8:30 p.m. Paint Out reception and art sale Oct. 30-Nov. 10. Bonita Goldberg: “Calm in Chaos” Reception: Oct. 29, TBA. BasketShop Gallery | Westwood. basketshopgallery.com Oct. 10-Nov. 14. FF Marzena Abrahamik: “GirlPlay” Reception: Oct. 10, 6-9 p.m. Behringer-Crawford Museum | Covington. 859-491-4003. bcmuseum.org Thru Nov. 29. FF J. Miles Wolf: “Red River Gorge, a 50-Year Journey” Reception: Oct. 15, 5-8 p.m. The Carnegie | Covington. 859-491-2030. thecarnegie.com Thru March 6. FF “Natural Fictions” Century Design Workshop | Walnut Hills. centurydesignworkshop.com Oct. 1-Jan. 4. FF Ron Tisue: “Operation Deep Freeze IV, Antarctica 1958–59” Cincinnati Art Club | Mt. Adams. 513-241-4591. cincinnatiartclub.org Oct. 2-24. ViewPoint 58: National Juried Exhibition. Reception: Oct. 2, 5-8 p.m. (ARTclectic Gallery, Silverton) Oct. 11-31. FF Contemporary Tintype Portraits and Altered Historic Images. Reception: Oct. 11, 1-4 p.m. Cincinnati Art Galleries | Downtown. 513-381-2128. cincyart.com
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The Contemporary Arts Center opens two exhibits, Oct. 2, as part of FotoFocus Biennial 2026: a seven-artist show, “In the Interest of Time”; and Widline Cadet: “Seremoni Disparisyon (Ritual [Dis]Appearance).”
Art Beyond Boundaries | Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-8726. artbeyondboundaries.com Thru Nov. 6. FF “Art of the Chase”
Movers & Makers
Thru Oct. 2. “A Story to Tell” Oct. 9-Nov. 21. “Visions of the Queen City: Past and Present” Reception: Oct. 9, 5-8 p.m. Cincinnati Art Museum | Eden Park. 513-721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org Thru Oct. 18. Yayoi Kusama: “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins” Oct. 2-Jan. 3. FF Nancy Rexroth: “Secrets of My Power” Oct. 16-March 7. “The Art of Charley Harper: Creatures Wild and Tame” Oct. 30, 5-9 p.m. Art After Dark Cincinnati Museum Center | Queensgate. 513-287-7000. cincymuseum.org Thru Oct. 14. FF “Equal to Any in the City:” Ball & Thomas Photographs – 1840s-1870s
Thru Nov. 29. FF “Long Exposure: Recent Work by Alumni of College of DAAP Fine Art Photography Program” Reception: Oct. 22, 5-7 p.m. (Reed Gallery, UC) Oct. 4-Nov. 1. FF “Image Destabilization” (DAAP Library, Clifton) Dayton Art Institute | Dayton, Ohio. 937223-4278. daytonartinstitute.org Thru Oct. 25. FF “Getting Technical: Alternative Photographic Processes” Thru Nov. 29. FF “Looking for Japan: Early Japanese Photography” Thru Jan. 3. “Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection” Thru Jan. 31. FF “Exploring Feminism” Oct. 17-Jan. 10. “Wall Power! Spectacular Quilts from the American Folk Art Museum”
Clay Church Studio | Camp Washington. instagram.com/clay.church.studio New ceramics gallery
Dayton Society of Artists | Dayton, Ohio. 937-228-4532. daytondsa.org Oct. 2-30. FF “Luminous Flow: Time Made Visible” Reception: Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m.
Clifton Cultural Arts Center | Clifton. 513-497-2860. cliftonculturalarts.org Thru Oct. 23. FF Jano Rečo & Gordon Baer: “The Long Lives We Carry”
Delhi Event Center | Delhi. oh-delhitownship.civicplus.com Oct. 4-Nov. 6. FF “Wayfarers” Reception: Oct. 4, 1-3 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Center | Downtown. 513-345-8400. contemporaryartscenter.org Thru Oct. 31. “Gravity’s Rainbow” Thru Oct. 4. Sarah Rodriguez: “Homespun” Oct. 2-Feb. 7. FF “In the Interest of Time” • Widline Cadet: “Seremoni Disparisyon (Ritual [Dis]Appearance)” Reception: Oct. 2, 5-10 p.m.
Edward A. Dixon Gallery | Dayton, Ohio. shop.eadgallery.com Oct. 1-Nov. 1. FF “Picturing Tomorrow: Speculative Futures in Lens-Based Art” Reception: Oct. 10, 2-4 p.m. Eisele Gallery of Fine Art | Hyde Park. 513-791-7717. eiselefineart.com Oct. 1-31. FF “Waiting to Be Seen” Reception: Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m.
The Contemporary Dayton | Dayton, Ohio. 937-224-3822. codayton.org Thru Jan. 23. FF Ella Kraimer: “Appearances” • Stacy Kranitz: “Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down”
Eva G. Farris Gallery | Thomas More University, Crestview Hills. 859-344-3300. thomasmore.edu Thru Oct. 6. Michael D. Burkart: “Summation: Old & New Orders of Abstraction”
DAAP Galleries | University of Cincinnati. 513-556-2839. daap.uc.edu Thru Nov. 10. FF “Dare to Stare: 19thCentury Circus and Sideshow Portraits” (DAAP Library, Clifton)
Evendale Cultural Arts Center | Evendale. 513-563-1350. evendaleohio.org Thru Dec. 31. FF “Reflections Through Time”
ARTS & CULTURE | The List Fitton Center | Hamilton. 513-863-8873. fittoncenter.org Oct. 10-Jan. 8. FF “Milestones: Finding Our Way” Reception: Oct. 17, 5 p.m. FotoFocus | Over-the-Rhine. fotofocus.org Oct. 1-31. Biennial: “The Long View” Sept. 30-Oct. 3. Biennial Opening Events Oct. 1-Jan. 23. FF Trevor Paglen: “the most merciful thing in the world” Gallery 506 | Elsmere. 513-919-5415. gallery-506.com Thru Dec. 12. “Verso,” paintings by Cole Carothers gallery jenseits | Mt. Adams. 513-655-4777. galleryjenseits.com Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m. “Under This Shared Sky” women’s group exhibition Harriet Beecher Stowe House | Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. stowehousecincy.org Current exhibition: “The Presents of our Presence: Black Women as Art” Here and Now | Newport. here-and-now.art Thru Nov. 8. FF Rhys Watkins: “A Life Worth Living” Hyde Park Art Show | Hyde Park Square. hydeparksquare.org/events Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Area’s largest one-day art exhibit and sale Iris BookCafe and Gallery | Over-theRhine. 513-260-8434. irisbookcafeotr.com Thru Jan. 25. FF Miro Švolík: “Môj život človeka (My Life as a Man)” Reception: Nov. 1, 5-7 p.m. Kennedy Heights Arts Center | Kennedy Heights. 513-631-4278. kennedyarts.org Thru Oct. 3. “Entre Lo Que Fue y Lo Que Es (Between What Was and What Is)” (Lindner Gallery) Thru Oct. 31. FF “Cultural Ties” Oct. 17-Dec. 10. Local Talent 2026 (Lindner Gallery) Lloyd Library and Museum | Downtown. 513-721-3707. lloydlibrary.org Thru Nov. 25. FF Kent Krugh: “Beyond the Gate”
The Lodge KY | 231 6th Ave., Dayton, Ky. 513-467-9115. thelodgeky.com Oct. 10-30. FF “Return To The Mother” Manifest Drawing Center / Center for the Visual Arts | Clifton. manifestgallery.org Oct. 5-30. FF “The Places We Keep: Holding Place, Holding Time” Manifest Gallery | East Walnut Hills. 513-861-3638. manifestgallery.org Thru Oct. 23. FF “The Sweep of Time, Beyond the Horizon” Miami University: Hiestand Galleries | Hiestand Hall, Oxford. sites.miamioh.edu/unfoldingstories Oct. 15-Nov. 17. FF “Unfolding Stories 2026: Stories from the RCCAM Collection” Middletown Arts Center | Middletown. 513-424-2417. middletownartscenter.com Thru Oct. 15. “Steel in a Different Light” Thru Oct. 28. Bob Hawkins: “Life at Every Distance” MOTR Pub | Over-the-Rhine. motrpub.com Oct. 1-Nov. 22. FF Paul Natkin: “King in Chicago” National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | The Banks, downtown. 513-333-7500. freedomcenter.org Thru Nov. 8. FF “Witness to the Journey: Matt Herron and the Mississippi Delta, 1965” Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights. 859-572-5148. nku.edu/artsci/sota/art Oct. 1-31. FF “Culture Crops” Off Ludlow Gallery | Clifton. 513-201-7153. facebook.com Thru Oct. 14. “Emerging Patterns: An Out of Focus Show” Over-the-Rhine Museum | Five Points, Over-the-Rhine. 513-813-7309. otrmuseum.org Thru Nov. 28. FF “Second Look: Danny Ransohoff’s Cityscapes Through New Eyes”
Get listed Arts/Culture listings are free. Send event details and photos to: editor@moversmakers.org See Page 4 for print deadlines. Visit moversmakers.org for more listings.
Oxford Community Arts Center | Oxford. 513-524-8506. oxarts.org Oct. 9-Nov. 7. FF Jon Yamashiro: “Framing the Forgotten: Contemporary Perspectives on WWII Japanese Incarceration in America” Pendleton Art Center | Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-4339. pendletonartcenter.com Oct. 30, 5-9 p.m., open studios Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum | Hamilton. 513-868-1234. pyramidhill.org Thru Nov. 30. FF Alexander Liberman: “The Artist in His Studio” Queen City Clay | Norwood. queencityclay.com Thru Oct. 23. “Fertile Ground” Oct. 30-Dec. 31. Annual QCC Resident Artist Showcase Rosewood Arts Center | Rosewood Gallery, Kettering. 937-296-0294. playkettering.org/rosewood-gallery-home Thru Nov. 7. FF Amanda Bradley: “Notations from Home” • Trent Davis Bailey: “The North Fork” Save Our Souls Art | First Unitarian Universalist Church, Avondale. sosartcincinnati.com Thru Oct. 30. “Prints for Peace and Justice and a Better World” Sinclair Community College Art Galleries | Dayton, Ohio. sinclair.edu Thru Oct. 26. FF Emily Wiethorn: “The Death of You and Me” • Katria Foster: “Domestic Affair” Solway Gallery | West End. 513-621-0069. solwaygallery.com Thru Dec. 18. Tom Marioni: drawings, prints and other works • Mark Patsfall Graphics/Clay Street Press: Printmaking in Cincinnati 1981-2026 • Ave Pildas: Jazz Greats: Photographs from the 1960s • Yoko Ono: “PEACE is POWER”
Studio San Giuseppe Art Gallery | Mount St. Joseph University, Delhi. msj.edu Thru Oct. 28. FF “AfterImage: Portraiture as Memory” Reception: Oct. 4, 2-4 p.m. Swell | Camp Washington. swellartcafe.com Thru Nov. 21. FF “Forgetting is Everywhere” Taft Museum of Art | Lytle Park, downtown. 513-241-0343. taftmuseum.org Oct. 17-Jan. 24. FF Edie McKee Harper: “Modernist at Play” University of Dayton | Dayton, Ohio. udayton.edu Thru Oct. 26. FF “Darshan” Reception: Oct. 17, 4-6 p.m. (Roger Glass Center for the Arts Gallery) Oct. 1-Nov. 13. FF Peter Happel Christian: “Work Life Balance” Reception: Oct. 22, 3-6 p.m. (Index Gallery) Visionaries & Voices | Northside. 513-861-4333. visionariesandvoices.com Oct. 2-Nov. 13. FF “Picture Perfect” Reception: Oct. 2, 5-8 p.m. Wash Park Art | Over-the-Rhine. 513-291-3626. washparkart.com Oct. 8-Nov. 21. FF Corson Hirschfeld: “Afterlife” Reception: Oct. 8, 5-8 p.m. Wave Pool Gallery | Camp Washington. wavepoolgallery.org Thru Nov. 21. FF “Forgetting is Everywhere” The Well | Walnut Hills. thewell.world Oct. 1-31. FF “True Body Project: Time is a Circle” Reception: Oct. 1, 5-8 p.m. Weston Art Gallery | Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-977-4165. cincinnatiarts.org/weston-art-gallery Oct. 2-Dec. 13. FF Paul Mpagi Sepuya: “Compressed Tenses” • George Rush: “Assisted Living” Reception: Oct. 2, 6-7 p.m.
Stivers School for the Arts: Fifth Street Gallery | Dayton, Ohio. 937-542-4179. dps.k12.oh.us Oct. 1-Nov. 6. FF Heather F. Wetzel: “Considering the Cultivated”
Wright State University | Creative Arts Center, Fairborn. liberal-arts.wright.edu Thru Oct. 31. FF Elizabeth Mead: “Incident(als): objects+things, sculpture+photographs” • Holly Roberts: “Confluence” Reception: Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m.
Studio Kroner | Downtown. studiokroner.com Oct. 7-Nov. 1. FF Erika NJ Allen: “Beneath All Distance” Reception: Oct. 8, 6-9 p.m. Closing reception: Nov. 1, 1-4 p.m.
Xavier University Art Gallery | A. B. Cohen Center. xavier.edu/art-department Oct. 9-Nov. 6. “Signs of the Times” • “Light: Bi-Annual Faculty and Staff Exhibition”
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
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FOCUS ON: Innovation
A new BEAM of light for nonprofits Three-way merger consolidates help for organizations By John O. Faherty
Rob Reifsnyder and Beth Benson in the BEAM Common Goods Store Photo by Helen A dams Photography for Movers & Makers
M
ergers can be so hard. Egos get bruised, toes get stomped, feelings get hurt. This can be true when two entities become one. It is pretty much guaranteed when three become one. But that is not what happened this summer when three organizations focused on helping local nonprofits merged to form the BEAM Center for Nonprofits – a name reflecting the wish to provide support, to focus attention and to shed light. OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Leadership Council for Nonprofits and Social Venture Partners Cincinnati came together to create an organization designed to work more efficiently with the nonprofit community. A merger of these organizations can have serious implications for the community’s quality of life. The goal is to help organizations increase capacity, develop strong leaders, find new funders and create a more robust network of organizations working together to make our community healthier, more beautiful and more just. Beth Benson is the inaugural CEO of the organization, and she has a ready answer for why this is the right time for a reorganization. “Why not now? Or, now more than ever,” she said from BEAM headquarters in Queensgate. After having served in the nonprofit world for more than 35 years, she knows how vital these organizations are. The gap between what the 18
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government can provide and what people need has always been there. “If the market or government could take care of these needs, the nonprofit sector wouldn’t exist,” Benson said. “That gap is historic, and wide. Racial inequality has not gone away. Poverty has not gone away. Our need for joy and beauty and education, none of these things are going away. And the nonprofit sector steps into that void to fill it.” BEAM will help.
“We will have a chance to be the voice of the nonprofit sector. We can advocate and help educate funders and community leaders and get to the root causes of our community’s problems. The edu-
Helping nonprofits face challenges
cation will make all the difference.”
Before the merger, OneSource Center, Leadership Council for Nonprofits and SVP Cincinnati all helped nonprofits, but in different ways. And the help is desperately needed. The people who run nonprofits run into challenges endlessly, but they do not always have the resources or the scale to address the problem. They might need leadership development or accounting help or they may have human resource questions. They may need help telling their story in a way that helps people understand their mission. The first board chair for BEAM is a man well known in the nonprofit sector. Rob Reifsnyder was the chair for the OneSource Center when the merger happened. Before that, he spent 43 years with United Way, including his final 17
– Susan Ingmire, board chair, Social Venture Partners Cincinnati
years as the CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. To put it simply, he knows where nonprofits get into trouble, and he knows how to help them get out of it. Putting three organizations together under one roof only makes sense to him. “There is such an opportunity to strengthen services, to expand services, to really get beyond what we’re currently able to do as three organizations, to a kind of a new vision,” Reifsnyder said. “If they want to develop a strategic plan, or if they need products from the Common Goods
Store, or if they need to dive deeply into a new project or opportunities that they want to try to achieve, now there is one place to come.” Reifsnyder and Benson both know intimately that the directors of nonprofits have limited staffs and tight budgets. Being able to help these organizations in a better way matters. The organizations that formed BEAM have been working with nonprofits for years. They know the obstacles people are experiencing. “It starts with money, right?” said Benson. “Everyone is struggling for money. Corollary to that, especially with early-growth-stage nonprofits, is the need for specific services. They all come in wanting to know who can do things. Who can help with accounting, with HR, with payroll? Basically they are looking for someone who understands their needs.” Susan Ingmire understands these needs intimately. She was board chair of Social Venture Partners Cincinnati during the merger. SVP worked to connect philanthropists with nonprofits, essentially, connecting people doing the work with people who want to support the work. Now, she expects BEAM will have the pulse of the entire nonprofit community. “We will have a chance to be the voice of the nonprofit sector,” Ingmire said. “We can advocate and help educate funders and community leaders and get to the root causes of our community’s problems. The education will make all the difference.” The potential of the merger was something of a low-level whisper for a number of years. All three were helping nonprofits, but they were working in different areas in different ways. When the talk got a little louder, they turned to Lisa Nolan of Collab. Nolan is an attorney who formerly ran the nonprofit Dress for Success. Collab is her firm designed to help organizations explore partnerships or merge altogether. Nolan met with the leaders from all three organizations every other week for months. There were working groups and countless meetings,
studies and surveys and complicated conversations. Eventually, it came together seamlessly because the leaders of all three nonprofits put their egos aside for the greater good. “This was not easy, but they were all willing to focus on the organizations they serve first,” Nolan said. “That always leads to a better outcome.” Experience certainly helped. Between Benson, Reifsnyder and Ingmire, there were just about 120 years of nonprofit experience. They have seen what works, they have seen what does not work. And they knew they had a chance to model good structure when forming a new nonprofit.
A startup with experience “We consider ourselves a startup,” Benson said with a smile. Just a startup with over a century of experience. Early on, after a study of the programming their
organizations were providing, the merger steering committee realized they were in fact not duplicating work. They also learned they were staffed leanly enough that nobody would need to lose their job, which is always a concern in a merger. A couple of people left, but nobody was asked to leave. The people involved in the merger were able to spend a lot of time focusing on governance and leadership. They decided that the new board would not be created so that each of the old organizations had the same number of board members for the new organization. Instead, they designed a board based on the needs of the new organization. Board members who did not join the new board were asked to volunteer for committee work. It says something that they all said yes. Additionally, board members involved in the transition made an important decision. While thrilled
to lead BEAM during its launch, they also recognized the importance of new leadership going forward. “It’s very important that we have a leadership transition from people like Rob and me in the not too distant future,” Ingmire said. But that does not mean they do not have big plans and ambitions for their new organization. In five years, Benson said, BEAM will already be helping nonprofits in new and exciting ways. But it can be more than that, too. “In five years, I think we can be an advocate and a spokesperson for the nonprofit sector. A booster for the sector,” Benson said. “This will be the front door for nonprofits that need a little help. And the front door for volunteers and the front door for new donors.” beamnonprofits.org EDITORS’S NOTE: This article has been updated from the print edition to accurately attribute a quotation.
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
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FOCUS ON
Notables in Nonprofit Innovation
Movers & Makers reached out this month to regional nonprofit organizations, asking leaders to share recent or current innovative programs they are employing to better serve their missions. This is part of M&M’s continuing effort to recognize those making a difference in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit ecosystem.
Strategies to End Homelessness
Blue North
Stacie Berger, chief development officer
Dave Knox, executive director
Ending homelessness takes more than traditional shelters, street outreach and emergency responses. While these services are essential, they don’t solve the underlying problem on their own. That is where Strategies to End Homelessness comes in. Based in Cincinnati, the organization is doing something few places in the world attempt: using predictive data to stop evictions before they start. By identifying high-risk households early, STEH steps in before an eviction notice is ever filed. Families stay safely housed, and community funding stretches much further by focusing on early prevention rather than emergency aid. At the same time, the agency continues organizing local emergency responses to support people who are currently unhoused. By combining high-tech data with hands-on care, Strategies to End Homelessness is proving that fixing an old crisis requires fresh thinking – creating a powerful blueprint right here in Cincinnati for cities everywhere to follow. strategiestoendhomelessness.org
Blue North is a lean, four-person nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs across 17 Northern Kentucky counties. To make a big impact with a small team, they created a Founder Relationship Management (FRM) system. While typical nonprofits use software to track donors, Blue North flipped the script to focus entirely on the founders they serve. The system keeps track of entrepreneurs, their businesses, key introductions and funding progress all in one place – preventing important details from getting lost in personal inboxes. AI smart tools handle the tedious paperwork by reading meeting notes and emails to draft updates automatically. Staff simply review and approve the entries, cutting hours of administrative work down to minutes. With clean data at their fingertips, the team can spot struggling entrepreneurs early, introduce companies to investors, and easily track regional business trends. Even grant reporting, which usually takes ages, now happens automatically as part of their everyday routine. bluenorthky.com
Community Matters
From Fatherless to Fearless
Mary Delaney, executive director
Candice Crear, founder and CEO
Community Matters is advancing a whole-person, whole-community model for neighborhood growth in Lower Price Hill. The agency’s approach rests on a simple truth: Lasting change requires investing in people and places at the same time. Rather than running isolated programs, Community Matters ties everything together into one connected strategy. A resident might first stop by for groceries at the Community Market, drop into the laundry facility, or attend a neighborhood event. But the interaction doesn’t stop there. Staff stays connected long-term, helping neighbors tackle immediate challenges while working toward their personal goals. Meanwhile, the organization invests in physical improvements – such as affordable housing, vibrant storefronts and welcoming spaces. The team knows that helping individuals isn’t enough if the surrounding community lacks opportunity, while upgrading a neighborhood without supporting its people risks pricing out long-term residents. For other nonprofits, Community Matters offers a clear blueprint for moving away from temporary fixes and building lasting, community-driven stability. cmcincy.org
The nonprofit From Fatherless to Fearless is shaking up traditional youth programs with its signature event, “What’s the Scoop?” Instead of boring lectures, this event turns financial education into a high-energy, hands-on game for the whole family. The program’s biggest breakthrough is its two-generation approach. While teens tackle fastpaced budgeting games and win cash prizes, their parents attend practical workshops run by local banks to learn about restoring credit, saving and building better money habits. By involving both kids and adults, the program strengthens the entire family’s finances at once. Even better, the event connects learning directly to real opportunities. Participants don’t just pick up useful money skills, they can also connect with live, on-the-spot job offers right at the venue. By swapping passive seminars for fun, action-oriented financial coaching, From Fatherless to Fearless gives families the tools and opportunities they need to break out of financial stress and build long-term wealth together. fromfatherlesstofearless.org
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YWCA Greater Cincinnati Rickell Howard Smith, president and CEO YWCA Greater Cincinnati has reimagined traditional domestic violence shelters with Francie’s House, a new facility built on a simple principle: The physical space itself should actively support a survivor’s healing. Designed using trauma-informed principles, Francie’s House focuses on safety, dignity and personal choice. Moving away from shared, dormitory-style living, the facility provides 21 private, apartment-style units with their own bathrooms, kitchenettes and living areas – including pet-friendly and accessible options. Survivors can step into quiet private spaces or gather in friendly communal areas. Filled with natural light, child and teen spaces, and on-site support services, the environment is crafted to reduce stress and promote recovery. The project has doubled the YWCA’s previous shelter capacity while setting a new standard for emergency housing. The results speak for themselves – 84% of survivors at Francie’s House transition into permanent housing, up from a previous average of 70%. Named after advocate Francie Pepper, this project shows how nonprofits can apply trauma-informed design to real-world spaces to deliver life-changing results. ywcacincinnati.org
OCTOBER 20, 2026 Full-day Nonprofit Conference
CINTAS CENTER
Includes breakfast, lunch, happy hour, featured speakers, workshops, and networking.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Our annual conference is now bigger & better under the merged organization
Join us for a day of content & connection! FEATURED SPEAKER Jane Wei-Skillern, Ph.D. Senior Fellow at the Center for Social Sector Leadership, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley
Aviatra Accelerators Jill Morenz, CEO Aviatra Accelerators, a nonprofit supporting women entrepreneurs across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, has launched Muse Boutiques – a new retail marketplace in Covington. Designed for modern female business owners, this new shop lets 22 emerging, women-owned brands sell their products under one roof. The program gives these entrepreneurs a low-risk environment to test their concepts over a nine-month period, complete with below-market rent. By sharing a boutique space, business owners drastically lower their overhead and daily management stress. Aviatra handles the heavy lifting by teaming up with the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission’s Senior Workforce Program to staff the store five days a week. Meanwhile, a smart checkout system allows owners to track their sales and inventory in real time from anywhere. It’s a practical, supportive setup that gives women-led retail brands the room and resources they need to thrive. aviatraaccelerators.org
KEY SPONSORSHIPS KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
LUNCH:
BREAKFAST:
HAPPY HOUR:
BREAK:
MEDIA PARTNER:
Scan QR code for details, registration and additional sponsorship opportunities.
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
21
FOCUS ON
St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy
Junior Achievement of OKI Partners
Rusty Curington, VP of pharmacy
Mike Hogan, president and CEO
A partnership between Cardinal Health, the Charitable Healthcare Network and St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati is transforming how needy Ohioans get essential prescription drugs. It started when St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy helped update Ohio law to allow for broader medication donations. Today, the Charitable Healthcare Network Medication Access Program takes leftover, unexpired prescriptions and redistributes them to uninsured and underinsured residents – cutting waste while getting critical treatments to people who can’t afford them. To handle a massive influx of donations, the team introduced an automated sorting robot named Rex. Originally built for commercial warehouses, VP of Pharmacy Rusty Curington and Zion Solutions Group customized Rex with software to scan and sort medications safely. Rex now sorts in a single day what used to take staff an entire month by hand, processing over $1 million worth of donated medicine every month. What began as a local Cincinnati pilot is now expanding statewide and offering a nationwide blueprint for charitable pharmacies. svdpcincinnati.org/pharmacy
Junior Achievement of OKI Partners is making real-world learning more accessible with JA BizTown Pop-Up, a portable version of its popular financial literacy program. Rather than requiring schools to arrange field trips to a fixed facility, the Pop-Up brings an interactive, simulated town directly to students – especially those in remote or under-resourced areas. Before the event, students complete classroom lessons. On event day, they step into a working mini-economy featuring 16 storefronts representing local industries. Students hold jobs, earn paychecks, manage budgets and run businesses, connecting what they learn in school to real-life careers in their region. By taking the program on the road, Junior Achievement breaks down major barriers like transportation costs and geographical limits. It gives underserved kids equal access to essential career and money skills. For other nonprofits, it’s an example of how to grow a successful program and reach more people without building expensive new centers. japartners.org
Lindner Center of HOPE
Partnership for Innovation in Education
Dr. Michael Groat, CEO
Mary Welsh Schlueter, founder and CEO
As artificial intelligence enters the mental health space, it brings exciting possibilities along with new ethical and clinical questions. The Lindner Center of HOPE is taking the lead in guiding therapists through this shift, thanks to Dr. Molly Pachan and her innovative “AI-ASK” framework. Instead of debating whether AI belongs in therapy, Dr. Pachan’s framework gives mental health professionals practical tools to navigate how patients are already using it. Through a five-part training series, she teaches clinicians how to assess patient AI use, protect client privacy, maintain sound clinical judgment and address potential risks – all while keeping core medical ethics like patient safety and autonomy at the center of care. As a clinical psychologist and assistant professor, Dr. Pachan bridges the gap between complex tech and everyday therapy. Her work moves the conversation away from abstract fear and toward responsible, real-world solutions. By equipping therapists with clear guidance, she is helping shape a safe, ethical future for mental healthcare in the digital age. lindnercenterofhope.org
Cincinnati-based Partnership for Innovation in Education has received state funding to start CareerLaunch, a new initiative connecting Southwest Ohio students directly to high-demand local careers. PIE received $250,000 from the Ohio Department of Development, with a duplicate match from Ohio community and industry partners. The cornerstone of this effort is PIE Generate, Ohio’s first AI curriculum and official certification designed for public school classrooms. Thanks to support from local universities, school districts and industry partners, schools receive the curriculum, teacher training and student testing for free. Students who pass the exam boost their graduation standing and gain a fast track to high-paying jobs with local employers ready to hire them. PIE brings extensive experience in creating tech-focused programs across advanced manufacturing, robotics, drones and electric vehicle technology. PIE will coordinate partners, update classroom materials and track student success. Instead of traditional, outdated career prep, this program bridges the gap between local classrooms and cutting-edge industries – helping shape the future of Ohio’s workforce and giving students a head start in top tech fields. piemedia.org
22
OCTOBER 2026
Movers & Makers
QUESTIONS? CONTACT PHILLIP JAMES AT JAMESPP@FOUNDATION.UC.EDU
FOCUS ON
Impacting Tomorrow
GreenLight Fund Cincinnati
Ken Tracy, founder and CEO
Erin Saul, executive director
Ken Tracy founded Impacting Tomorrow on a simple idea: When a family needs help, they usually need more than one thing, so all those services should be available in a single visit. From its main campus in Loveland, the organization offers groceries, medical care, maternal support, clothing and educational programs under one roof. The approach is working at a massive scale. In 2025 alone, Impacting Tomorrow handled 135,000 family visits across three states – more than double the previous year – with over half of guests using multiple services at once. Now, Tracy is taking the model further by adding AI to the system. Because all programs share the same secure database, AI can spot hidden trends, predict demand for food or medical care, and highlight which combinations of support help families achieve lasting stability. Staff can even ask the system complex questions using everyday language. By treating technology as a core part of its mission, Impacting Tomorrow offers a smart, compassionate blueprint that other communities can easily copy to help families in need. impactingtomorrow.com
GreenLight Cincinnati is developing a new Scenario Intelligence Tool to answer a crucial question: How well will a program work if we bring it to a new city? Executive Director Erin Saul came up with the idea during her Aspen Ascend Fellowship when she realized the organization lacked a reliable way to predict a program’s future success. The tool combines local public data with an organization’s track record to run the math. Every assumption is clearly sourced, giving the team a transparent look behind the numbers. Instead of replacing human judgment, it sharpens it. For instance, staff can model what funding early childhood care for 300 toddlers today will mean for Cincinnati’s wage and crime rates 20 years down the road. Over time, this data will help GreenLight predict what works best across all 16 of its nationwide locations. Ultimately, it moves philanthropy away from guesswork and toward smarter, evidence-backed investments from day one. greenlightfund.org/sites/cincinnati
Women Helping Women
Adopt A Class
Kristin Shrimplin, CEO
Sonya Fultz, CEO
Women Helping Women is transforming how nonprofits support survivors of gender-based violence by tackling one of their biggest obstacles: financial hardship. The Francie Garber Pepper Survivor Equity Fund provides fast, direct financial aid based on a simple belief: Survivors know best what they need to stay safe. Instead of forcing applicants through bureaucratic hoops or dictating how money should be spent, the organization listens to survivors and immediately covers the specific expenses standing in their way. The fund pays for urgent needs such as rent, utility bills, emergency hotel stays, moving costs, car repairs or even changing locks. In 2025 alone, Women Helping Women distributed nearly $750,000 directly to survivors through this fund. The organization’s approach recognizes the financial realities that often keep people trapped in unsafe conditions. By replacing red tape with speed, trust and individual choice, Women Helping Women isn’t just protecting local families – it’s building a survivor-first financial model that communities across the nation can easily replicate. womenhelpingwomen.org
This fall, Adopt A Class is launching Spark, a new program reaching more than 10,000 young students across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Spark connects early reading lessons directly to future career paths through an easy-to-use digital curriculum for kindergarten through second-grade classrooms. Research shows that children as young as 5 start forming beliefs about what they can achieve. Without early exposure to diverse jobs, kids can narrow their dreams before ever finishing second grade. Spark prevents this by introducing a wide variety of careers alongside everyday reading instruction. Through storybooks, virtual guest speakers and video spotlights, the 24-lesson curriculum builds vocabulary and real-world knowledge without disrupting the normal school schedule. For local schools, Spark lays a strong foundation that prepares students for hands-on business mentoring in later grades. For the wider community, it proves that career exploration doesn’t have to wait until high school – and that broadening a child’s horizons can start with a simple storybook in kindergarten. aacmentors.org
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OCTOBER 2026
Movers & Makers
BEAM Center for Nonprofits is grateful to these members of the Merger Steering Committee for their incredible gift of time and talent. Their efforts resulted in the merger of Leadership Council for Nonprofits, OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence, and Social Venture Partners Cincinnati into BEAM Center for Nonprofits, launched in August 2026.
Beth Benson Pete Bergman Douglas Bolton Christie Brown Vanessa Freytag Arlene Herman Susan Ingmire
Dan Kava Thuy Kolik Megan Milstead Rob Reifsnyder Stephanie Smith Sofie Snauwert Craig Young
We want to acknowledge Lisa Nolan of Collab for her excellent facilitation throughout the process and the staff and volunteer attorneys of Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio. We could not have done it without you! The thoughtfulness and patience of all three organizations’ boards, staff teams, and others serving on merger working groups was invaluable to the outcome. BEAM is focused on building nonprofit capacity, developing leaders, engaging philanthropists, and fostering stronger connections across our nonprofit community. While our name is new, our commitment remains the same. Together, we’re building on decades of experience serving nonprofit organizations throughout the Tristate and we’re excited about what we can accomplish together.
Learn more and follow our progress at
beamnonprofits.org
FOCUS ON
Mary Magdalen House
People Working Cooperatively
Jenny Perez, executive director
Jock Pitts, president
Since 1988, Mary Magdalen House has provided essential hygiene services – such as warm showers and clean laundry – to people experiencing homelessness in Over-the-Rhine. However, conversations with local residents and partner groups revealed a growing problem: Many neighborhoods outside the city core completely lack basic hygiene resources. To solve this, the nonprofit is launching MMH Goes Mobile, Greater Cincinnati’s first mobile hygiene unit. Designed in partnership with University of Cincinnati engineering students, the custom truck features three private bathrooms with showers, two laundry setups, full ADA accessibility and on-site support services. Because the units are completely private, MMH can now safely serve families and young people for the first time. By bringing these services directly into underserved neighborhoods, the project removes transportation barriers that often keep people from getting clean clothes and showers. MMH is adapting nearly 40 years of hands-on expertise to meet changing local needs, helping residents build better health, land jobs and secure stable housing, all while gathering valuable data to help other regional nonprofits strengthen their own community programs. marymagdalenhouse.org
People Working Cooperatively has completely changed how it helps low-income families stay safely in their homes. Most organizations wait for something to break and fix that problem. PWC takes a whole-home approach instead. They send a skilled team of plumbers, electricians and carpenters – many trained by PWC – to inspect the entire house. They also solve a major headache for homeowners: dealing with paperwork. Instead of forcing vulnerable residents to apply to different programs for a leaky roof, a broken heater or a new wheelchair ramp, PWC handles all of these safety, energy and mobility fixes at the same time. They fund this by combining money from government grants, private donations and energy-saving initiatives. This approach stretches every dollar further and makes life easier for the people helped. More importantly, PWC proves to the charitable sector that fixing and maintaining homes we have is far cheaper than building new ones – offering a smart, effective model other communities can copy. pwchomerepairs.org
Cincinnati Type & Print Museum
Ronald McDonald House Southwest Ohio
Gary Walton, executive director
Jennifer Loeb, CEO
The Cincinnati Type & Print Museum is taking a creative approach to staffing by making job training central to its mission. The museum recruits, screens and trains adults with autism and other developmental challenges to work as volunteer or paid apprentices, tour guides and printers. This program offers hands-on experience to adults seeking skills, while giving the small museum a team of engaged, passionate staff. These apprentices tackle classic print work – setting type, inking presses, proofreading and assisting with design – while leading guided tours and sharing the history of printing with visitors. Rather than relying on high-tech solutions, the program focuses on meaningful, practical work. By partnering with local support organizations and parents, the museum fills a critical gap for families searching for fulfilling community opportunities for their adult children. Led by Gary Walton’s passion for print making, this model preserves the craft while empowering the community. cincinnatitypeprintmuseum.org
Ronald McDonald House Southwest Ohio is transforming how it supports families facing serious pediatric medical crises by embedding a trauma-informed culture into everything it does. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with you?” the organization shifts the focus to, “What’s happened to you?” – creating an environment built on safety, empathy and healing. Led by Sarah Curry, communications and trauma-informed care manager, who holds specialized trauma and resilience credentials, RMH developed a comprehensive care model starting in 2022. By 2023, the initiative proved so successful that it expanded from Cincinnati to Ronald McDonald Houses across the globe, earning a top national impact award. Visiting families report feeling safer and more supported during their toughest moments, while staff and volunteers experience lower burnout and secondary stress. Curry is sharing this framework far beyond the nonprofit world, providing training to local law firms, major hospital systems and universities. It’s a powerful model showing how compassionate, trauma-aware practices can strengthen an entire community. ronaldmcdonaldhousesouthwestohio.org
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OCTOBER 2026
Movers & Makers
Tweeds Foundation Daniel Tweedall, founder and CEO Daniel Tweedall, a local entrepreneur with a background in marketing and anthropology, is deeply fascinated by human experience. His Tweeds Foundation – a new Cincinnati nonprofit – is based on the belief that overusing artificial intelligence in art strips away human purpose and creates risks we aren’t fully considering. The foundation’s primary mission is to build ethical AI guardrails for creative industries. Tweedall puts working artists directly in charge of setting these boundaries, believing only creatives have the nuance required to guide technology’s role in the arts. Beyond setting guidelines, the Tweeds Foundation supports local artists in creating new work while testing these boundaries. They are also collaborating with local school districts to offer free, open-source tools that blend arts education with essential AI skills. By sharing this leadership and celebrating local talent, the Tweeds Foundation aims to help spark a modern-day renaissance in Cincinnati, boosting the Queen City’s reputation as a thriving cultural hub. linkedin.com/company/tweeds-foundation
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Want to help someone build their dreams? Become a mentor with The Chatfield Edge.
CHATFIELDEDGE.ORG/MENTORING
Green Umbrella Van Sullivan, executive director Green Umbrella’s 25 Communities Project offers an innovative solution to a common problem: Local governments often lack the staff, time and budget to tackle climate action. Too frequently, long-term environmental planning gets pushed aside by daily emergencies. To bridge this gap, Green Umbrella created a collaborative network that brings regional municipal leaders together. Participating governments share resources, receive specialized training and work together on local resilience plans. A key highlight is the summer Climate Fellow initiative. Green Umbrella places dedicated fellows inside local city governments to manage hands-on, high-impact projects. These fellows have tackled a wide range of needs, including tornado risk assessments in Oxford, expanded recycling in Madeira, greenspace mapping in Anderson, heat research in Cincinnati and resident outreach in Covington. By pooling resources and placing trained personnel directly into city halls, the 25 Communities Project gives local governments the extra capacity they need to deliver practical, immediate environmental benefits to their residents. greenumbrella.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
Emmy Award Winner Regional - Interview/Discussion Program
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
27
The Datebook DATEBOOK
28
With a Spotlight on the Movers and Makers behind Greater Cincinnati’s Fundraisers, Friend-Raisers and Community Events
PBS filmmaker Steven Latham presents the keynote at Cincinnati Animal CARE’s UNLEASHED: The Power of Love, Oct. 2, at Rhinegeist Brewery.
OCT. 1, THURSDAY Bethany House, Welcome Home Bash | 6-9:30 p.m. American Sign Museum, Camp Washington. Beacon Award honorees: Chris Bochenek and Robie Suggs. Emcee: Kyla Woods. Food, drinks by Molly Wellmann, music, raffles and silent auction. Tickets: $100; YP: $75; tables: $1,250 ¼bethanyhouseservices.org Cancer Support Community, Stronger than Cancer Celebration | 6-9 p.m. Lightwell Room - North, Hotel Covington. Emcee: Bob Herzog. Dinner, bar, raffles, silent auction and live auction. ¼mycancersupportcommunity.org La Soupe, GATHER: Fall Dinner | 5 p.m. First Financial Club, TQL Stadium. Multi-course culinary experience featuring menus crafted from rescued ingredients. Tickets: $200. ¼lasoupe.org/gather
Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Annual Hats Off Luncheon | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Smale Riverfront Park. Award presentation and luncheon. Tickets: $225. ¼cincinnatiparksfoundation.org CityLink Center, MashUp | 6 p.m. CityLink Center, West End. Performances, interactive art projects and bites. ¼citylinkcenter.org/mashup Junior Achievement, Ladies Sporting Clays Classic and Women & Wine | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sycamore Sporting Clays & Miamiville Trailyard, Loveland. Sporting clays, hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, networking, cash bar and raffles. ¼japartners.org Red Wolf Sanctuary, HOWL-o-Ween | 6-10 p.m. The Redmoor, Mt. Lookout. Valet parking, appetizers, dinner, drinks, entertainment, silent and live auction. Tickets: $105. ¼redwolf.org/howl-o-ween OCT. 3, SATURDAY
OCT. 2, FRIDAY Cincinnati Animal CARE, UNLEASHED: The Power of Love | 6-10 p.m. Taproom at Rhinegeist Brewery. 6 p.m. VIP reception; 7 p.m. main event. Dinner by-the-bite, live/ silent auctions, interactive experiences and animal success stories. Keynote speaker: PBS director/filmmaker Steven Latham. Tickets: $275. ¼cincinnatianimalcare.org Cincinnati Music & Wellness, Annual Music & Medicine Conference | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Centennial Barn. Breakfast, keynotes, breakout sessions and lunch. Registration $100. ¼musicandwellness.net
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OCTOBER 2026
Alzheimer’s Association, Walk to End Alzheimer’s | 8:30 a.m. Sawyer Point. Promise garden, opening ceremony and walk. ¼act.alz.org Cincinnati Nature Center, Back to Nature Gala | 6 p.m. Krippendorf Lodge, Milford. Emcee: Bob Herzog of Local 12. Nature-themed cocktails, dinner and program. ¼cincynature.org/back-to-nature Mark Wayne Shafer Foundation, Annual Mark W Shafer Memorial Golf Outing | 2 p.m. Fairfield South Trace, Fairfield. Golf scramble, dinner, raffles and awards. Registration: $150; $600/ foursome. ¼birdease.com
Movers & Makers
Central Clinic Behavioral Health honors Interact for Health’s Kate Schroder at Vibes & Lives, Oct. 8, at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley.
NAMIWalks NKY, Annual Fundraiser | 9 a.m. Pioneer Park, Covington. Community flat mile walk, lunch from LaRosa’s and resource tables from support groups. ¼namiwalks.org/northernkentucky School for Creative & Performing Arts, Concert Fundraiser | 5:30 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Dinner and performances by Fast Times and Bee Gees Gold. Tickets: $200. ¼scpa.cps-k12.org/donate/scpa-fund
OCT. 5-8, MONDAY-THURSDAY StartUp Week | Union Hall, Overthe-Rhine. Join founders, investors and innovators for hands-on sessions, programming and workshops. Tickets start at $50. ¼startupcincyweek.com OCT. 5, MONDAY
Stepping Stones, Annual Bloom | 7-11 p.m. Element Eatery, Madisonville. Arcade games, dancing and silent auction. Tickets: $175. ¼steppingstonesohio.org
Cincinnati International Wine Festival, Russ Wiles Memorial Golf Tournament | 8 a.m. Four Bridges Country Club, Liberty Township & Heritage Club, Mason. Golf, gift bag, awards and prizes. Registration: $3,000/ twosome; $6,000/foursome. ¼winefestival.com
OCT. 4, SUNDAY
OCT. 6, TUESDAY
ALS United Ohio, WalkALS | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pioneer Park, Covington. Easy walk route, food trucks, character and mascot appearances, face painting, balloon twisting, sponsor tents and live music by Bronson Arroyo. ¼alsohio.org
AJC Cincinnati, 2026 Community Service Award | 5:30 p.m. Blue Ash. Keynote: Rabbi Noam Marans. Honoring Meredith Friedman and Jim Friedman and Kathy Claybon and Dr. Louis Claybon. Tickets: $360. ¼donate.ajc.org
Beech Acres, For the Love of Kids Festival | Noon-4 p.m. Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine. Food, photo booth, zoo animals, crafts, music and games. Free. ¼beechacres.org
Cintrifuse, Annual Meeting | 8:30-10 a.m. Union Hall, Over-the-Rhine. ¼cintrifuse.com
Indian American Chamber of Commerce, Annual Pre-Gala Bazaar | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Delta Hotel, Sharonville. Vendors, food, drinks, performances and entertainment. ¼indianchambercincinnati.org ZERO, Prostate Cancer Run/Walk | 7:45 a.m. Yeatman’s Cove, Sawyer Point Park. Opening ceremony, 3-mile run/ walk, 1-mile walk and kids dash. ¼support.zerocancer.org
OCT. 8, THURSDAY BT Rise, F.I.R.E. Conference | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. First Financial Center. Keynote: Tara Renze. Panel discussions, interactive sessions, lunch, vendors, Q&A and cocktail reception. Tickets: $150. ¼thefireconference.com Camp Washington Urban Revitalization Corporation, Clean Up Camp | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Community clean-up and lunch. ¼cwurc.org
DATEBOOK Dress for Success Cincinnati presents the Illuminate Fashion Show Gala, Oct. 15 at the First Financial Center. Honorary co-chairs are Alandes Powell and Annette Pfund-de Cavel.
Central Clinic Behavioral Health, Vibes & Lives | 6-9 p.m. 20th Century Theater, Oakley. Emcee: Doug Bolton. Honoring Kate Schroder. Small plates and live jazz. Tickets: $103. ¼centralclinic.org BEAM Center for Nonprofits, Illuminated | 6-9:30 p.m. AC Hotel, The Banks. Opening night of BLINK with open bar, light bites, music, live auction and raffles. Tickets: $150. ¼beamnonprofits.org Parkinson Community Fitness, Annual Parkinson Shuffle | 6-9 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Save the date. ¼parkinsoncommunityfitness.org/
Saturday, half marathon, 4-miler and after-party at Sawyer Point. ¼flyingpigmarathon.com
tables and complimentary honor beads. ¼afspwalks.donordrive.com
OCT. 10, SATURDAY
OCT. 14, WEDNESDAY
Aubrey Rose Foundation, Blink Light the Night Cruise | 6:30-8:30 p.m. B&B Riverboats, Newport. Riverboat cruise, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets: $125. ¼aubreyrose.org
NewPath Child & Family Solutions, Heart & Hope Gala | 6-8:30 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Storytelling, award presentations, cocktails, dinner and raffles. Tickets: $150. ¼newpath.org
People Working Cooperatively, ToolBelt Ball | 5:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Black-tie event with cocktail reception, entertainment, dinner, auctions, raffles and booze pull. ¼pwchomerepairs.org
United Way, A Brighter Tomorrow | 5:30-8 p.m. Anderson Pavilion. Program, food and drinks. ¼uwgc.org
Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses, Ezz Fest | Noon. Ezzard Charles Park, West End. Boxing showcase, local history, lunch, live music and kids’ activities. Free. ¼eventbrite.com
OCT. 9-10, FRID-SATURDAY
OCT. 11, SUNDAY
Pig Works, Queen Bee Half Marathon Weekend | Friday, BeeU-Tique Expo, First Financial Center.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Out of the Darkness Walk | Noon. Sawyer Point Park. Opening ceremony, activities, resource
OCT. 15-16, THURSDAY-FRIDAY Caracole, Caraconference 2026 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine. Interactive sessions, discussion and connection. Tickets: $25/day; $40/two-day pass. ¼caracole.org
AIA Cincinnati, Sporting Clay Shoot | 1:30-6:30 p.m. Sycamore Creek Pheasant Club, Loveland. Networking, clay shoot sessions, happy hour, dinner and awards presentation. Registration: $200. ¼aiacincinnati.org Center for Great Neighborhoods, 50th Anniversary Celebration | 5:30 p.m. Madison Event Center, Covington. Dinner, drinks, silent auction, raffles and paddle raise. Tickets: $65. ¼greatneighborhoods.org Dress for Success Cincinnati, Illuminate Fashion Show Gala | 7-10 p.m. First Financial Center. Dinner, cocktails, runway fashion show and entertainment. Honorary co-chairs: Alandes Powell and Annette Pfund-de Cavel. Tickets: $200; $250 VIP. ¼dfscincy.org Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, Business Hall of Fame | 6-9 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Honoring careers of Phil Cohen and John Michelman of Michelman, Claude Davis of First Financial Bank, Richard Homan of Turner Construction, Karen Hoguet of Macy’s and David Taylor of P&G. Tickets start at $350. ¼HOF.JAPartners.org
OCT. 15, THURSDAY Adventure Crew, Summits & Horizons | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Keynote: Neal Moore. Appetizers and drinks. Tickets: $70-$100. ¼adventurecrew.org
Working in Neighborhoods, 2026 Hall of Fame: Housing Opportunities Forever | 4:30-7 p.m. Hyatt Regency, downtown. Honorees Kristen Baker, Philip Denning and Steve Schaefer. Tickets: $125. ¼wincincy.org
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
29
DATEBOOK
Kristen Baker, Philip Denning and Steve Schaefer join Working in Neighborhoods’ 2026 Hall of Fame at Housing Opportunities Forever, Oct. 15, at the Hyatt Regency.
OCT. 16-17, FRIDAY-SATURDAY Kenton County Parks & Recreation, Halloween Happenings Haunted Trail | 7-10 p.m. Middleton-Mills Park, Covington. Haunted trail and concessions. Admission: Non-perishable food or personal care item donation for Be Concerned OR $1/person. ¼secure.rec1.com OCT. 16, FRIDAY CancerFree Kids, Celebration of Courage | 5:30-8:30 p.m. MegaCorp Pavilion, Newport. Program, dinner, entertainment, auctions, raffle and beverage pulls. Tickets: $250. ¼cancerfreekids.org Clermont Chamber, 2026 Women’s Day: SPARK! | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. Keynote: Diane Egbers. Discussions, vendor fair and networking session. Tickets: $75. ¼business.clermontchamber.com OCT. 17, SATURDAY 1N5, Warrior Run | 5 p.m. Mariemont Concourse. One-mile walk, 5K and post-race party. ¼givebutter.com Christ Hospital, Illuminate the Path Gala | 6:15 p.m. First Financial Convention Center. Benefiting programs across The Christ Hospital Health Network with cocktails, dinner, entertainment, and an exclusive first look at the organization’s vision for the future. Tickets: $300. ¼thechristhospital.com Kenton County Parks & Recreation, Halloween Happenings Boo Bash & Trail Trek | 2-4 p.m. Middleton-Mills Park, Covington. Family-friendly activities, crafts and Halloween characters. Admission: Nonperishable food or personal care item for Be Concerned. ¼secure.rec1.com
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OCTOBER 2026
Movers & Makers
Lincoln Heights Outreach Incorporated, An Evening Under the Stars | 5-9 p.m. Delta Hotel, Sharonville. Performances, dinner by-the-bite, silent auction and paddle raise. Tickets: $95. ¼lincolnheightsoutreach.org Ohio Alleycat Resource, Black Cat Bash | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Karrikin Distillery, Fairfax. Food, cash bar, music, silent auction, raffles and costume contest. Tickets: $75. ¼ohioalleycat.org Tender Mercies, “Illuminate” Halloween Bash | 6:30-11 p.m. Mercantile Immersive, downtown. Dinner, live entertainment, costume contest, open bar and valet parking. Tickets: $200 ¼tendermerciesinc.org OCT. 18, SUNDAY Huntington’s Disease Society of America, Team Hope Walk | 9 a.m. Voice of America Park Fieldhouse, West Chester. ¼give.hdsa.org OCT. 19, MONDAY Allied Construction Industries, Fall Golf Outing | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Western Hills Country Club. Golf, awards and happy hour. Registration: $380. ¼members.aci-web.com OCT. 20, TUESDAY Cornerstone Renter Equity, 40th Anniversary Celebration Breakfast | 9-11 a.m. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Live music, breakfast and community networking. Tickets: $75. ¼secure.givelively.org
Leadership Council for Nonprofits, Securing the Future Conference | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Cintas Center, Xavier University. Focus on strengthening nonprofit organizations through collaboration, knowledge sharing and mutual support. Keynote: Jane Wei-Skillern. Sponsorships available. ¼leadershipcouncil.us OCT. 21, WEDNESDAY Right to Life, Evening for Life | 5:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Keynote: Rachel Campos-Duffy. Emcee: Anna Mitchell. VIP event, reception and dinner. Tickets: $110; $220 VIP. ¼cincinnatirighttolife.org OCT. 22, THURSDAY Cincinnati Better Business Bureau, Centennial Gala | 5-9 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom, Over-the-Rhine. Networking happy hour, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, keynote by Sam Hubbard and awards. Tickets: $250; VIP: $325 includes reception with Hubbard. ¼bbb.org Cincinnati Museum Center, After Hours: Halloween Edition | 7-10 p.m. Cincinnati Museum Center. Food, cash bar and programming. Tickets: $20. ¼cincymuseum.org Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati USA, 30th Anniversary Celebration | TQL Stadium, First Financial Club, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets: $150; table of 10: $1,350. ¼hccusa.us Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Light The Night | 5:30 p.m. Yeatman’s Cove. Festival activities, ceremony, walk and fireworks. ¼lightthenight.org
OCT. 23, FRIDAY Cincinnati Preservation, Fall Forum | 11:30 a.m. Hilton Netherland Plaza. Networking and program. ¼cincinnatipreservation.org Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Night for a Cure | 6 p.m. TQL Stadium. Honoring Michael Jones and Mark Weiss. ¼crohnscolitisfoundation.org Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, Annual Miracle Ball | 6 p.m. Oscar Event Center, Jungle Jim’s, Fairfield. Presentation of The Joe Nuxhall Humanitarian Award to Doug Flynn. Tickets: $150; $75 after-party. ¼nuxhallmiracleleague.org New Life Furniture Bank, Party in the House | 6-9 p.m. Mercantile Immersive, downtown. Cocktails, food, raffle, designer showcase and thrift store pop-up. Event co-chairs: Allison Gottlieb and Katrina Hartsel. ¼nlfurniture.org Pink Ribbon Good, Ignite The Fight | 6-10 p.m. Food, drinks and speakers. cmetz@pinkribbongood.org ¼pinkribbongood.org/ Stepping Stones, Sporting Clays Tournament | Noon. Sycamore Pheasant Club, Loveland. Tournament, dinner, raffle and live auction. ¼steppingstonesohio.org OCT. 24-25, SATURDAY-SUNDAY Ohio River Foundation, Cincinnati Coffee Festival | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom. Hundreds of free tastings of coffees, teas, pastries, chocolates and foods. Presentations, Latte Art Throwdown and live music. ¼ohioriverfdn.org
DATEBOOK The newly merged BEAM Center for Nonprofits presents Securing the Future, an all-day conference, Oct. 20, at the Cintas Center. Keynote speaker is Jane Wei-Skillern, an internationally recognized pioneer in network leadership and nonprofit collaboration.
OCT. 24, SATURDAY
OCT. 30, FRIDAY
Brave Like Me, Bravesgiving | 5-11:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Cocktails, dinner, program and after-party. Tickets: $175. ¼givebutter.com
Cincinnati ToolBank, Haunted Hammers & Ales | 6-10 p.m. Fowling Warehouse, Pleasant Ridge. Fowling tournament, costume contest and silent auction. ¼cincinnatitoolbank.org
Red Wolf Sanctuary, Rampage 5K/10K | 8:30 a.m. Red Wolf Sanctuary, Rising Sun. 5K & 10K run/walk, prizes, medals and animal ambassadors. ¼redwolf.org/red-wolf-rampage Spirit of Construction, Gala | 5:30 p.m. First Financial Center. Networking happy hour, program, dinner and after-party. Tickets: $500. ¼spiritofconstruction.org OCT. 28, WEDNESDAY Mary Jo Cropper Family Center for Breast Care, Celebration of Angels | 5 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Honoring those improving lives of cancer survivors. ¼bethesdafoundation.com YWCA Greater Cincinnati, New Mission Forward Speaker Series | 4:30 p.m. Memorial Hall, Over-theRhine. Keynote: Anita Hill. Cocktail hour, program, fireside chat and VIP reception. Tickets: $250; $300 VIP. ¼ywcacincinnati.org OCT. 29, THURSDAY St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati, RetroFittings | 5:30-10 p.m. Music Hall Ballroom, Over-the-Rhine. Food, drinks, boutique shopping and runway show. ¼svdpcincinnati.org
The Enquirer, Women of the Year Luncheon | Hard Rock Casino. Noon-1:30 p.m. Honorees Jill Brinck, Charlotte Goering, Kate Greene, Terri Hanlon Bremer, Rhiannon Hoeweler, Jill McGruder, Anita Schneider, Kristin Shrimplin, Annie Timmons and Jayne Utter. Tickets: $85. ¼enquirerwoy.com Ion Center, Toast for Hope | 6:30 p.m. Newport Car Barn. Open bar, food stations, music by The Chuck Taylors, auctions and games. ¼ioncenter.org Kindervelt, Dancing for the Kids | 6-10 p.m. Oasis Conference Center, Loveland. Dance performances, drinks, dinner and auctions. ¼kindervelt.org NOV. 3, TUESDAY WAVE Foundation, Community Hangout | 5-8 p.m. Braxton Brewing Factory 52, Norwood. Pint night fundraiser, conservation games, raffles and prizes. Free. ¼wavefoundation.org
FINDING HOPE BEYOND FEAR
Family has always been at the center of Colleen Thatcher's life. Becoming a grandmother only deepened her appreciation for each day. That is why hearing the word “cancer” changed her life. Confused by a melanoma diagnosis that seemed to defy expectations, Colleen searched for answers while managing overwhelming fear. A friend encouraged her to seek a second opinion through Cincinnati Cancer Advisors, where she found both medical expertise and time. Her questions were answered thoroughly, her concerns were acknowledged, and she left feeling informed and confident. The experience changed her perspective. She discovered resilience she didn't know she possessed, leaned into her faith, and learned that knowledge is power. Today, Colleen encourages every newly diagnosed patient to seek trusted guidance and embrace every available resource. Cancer may change life's direction, but compassionate expertise and hope can help illuminate the path forward. “No one should have to face cancer alone. Cincinnati Cancer Advisors helps patients and families navigate cancer with greater confidence, knowledge, and hope—because every patient deserves to know they have someone in their corner," says Dr. Phil Leming. Cincinnati Cancer Advisors is powered by the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation, Inc., whose mission is to minimize the suffering and mortality associated with cancer by improving access to expert guidance, clinical excellence, research, education, and community engagement.
NOV. 4, WEDNESDAY Xavier University, Leadership Summit | 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Cintas Center. Keynote speakers, panel discussions and conversations. ¼darwishp@xavier.edu
513.731.2273 (CARE) CINCINNATICANCERADVISORS.ORG
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DATEBOOK NOV. 5, THURSDAY Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, Annual Event 2026 | 5-8 p.m. Woodward Theater, Over-the-Rhine. Cocktail reception. ¼cincihomeless.org Salvation Army, Civic & Awards Luncheon | Noon-1 p.m. Cintas Center. Honorary Chair: Dan Feldmann. Emcees: Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle. Program honoring Rockdale Academy. Tickets: $275. ¼give.salvationarmy.org Women Walking West, Annual Rise Gala | 6-9 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Program, silent auction, dinner, presentations, keynote and entertainment. Tickets: $100. ¼womenwalkingwest.org NOV. 6, FRIDAY Cincinnati International Wine Festival, Pop-Up Wine Sale | 3 p.m. Freestore Foodbank, Riverside. Wines and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets: $75. ¼winefestival.com NOV. 7, SATURDAY
Cancer Family Care, Annual Wine Tasting & Auction | 6-10 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Honorary chairs: Michelle & Roger Krummen. Wine/bourbon tastings, dinner and silent/live auctions. ¼cnrfmlyc.ejoinme.org The Links, Incorporated, Anniversary Gala | 5-10 p.m. First Financial Center. Keynote: Susan L. Taylor. Black-tie event. ¼cincinnatilinks.org NOV. 12, THURSDAY Cincinnati Chamber, Fifth Third Bank Leadership Symposium | 8 a.m.-noon. Music Hall Ballroom. Keynote: Janet Ahn. Breakfast, workshop breakouts and networking. Tickets: $160. ¼cincinnatichamber.com OCTOBER 2026
Retired Cincinnati Bengal Sam Hubbard speaks at the BBB Centennial Gala, Oct. 22, in the Music Hall Ballroom. The BBB will also shine a light on ethical businesses with its annual Torch Awards.
NOV. 13, FRIDAY ERS Foundation, Gathering for Good Gala | 6:30-9 p.m. Mercantile Immersive, downtown. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Tickets: $200. ¼episcopalretirement.com Great Parks Forever, Camp Root Ball | 6-9:30 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Dinner by-the-bite, drinks, live music and silent auction. Hosts: $275; Campers: $175. ¼greatparks.org Kindervelt, Dancing with the Kids | 6-10 p.m. Delta Hotel, Sharonville. Dance performances, drinks and dinner. ¼kindervelt.org Talbert House, Make Camp Possible | 6-9 p.m. Ivy Hills Country Club, Newtown. Dinner by-the-bite and drinks. ¼talberthouse.org NOV. 14, SATURDAY
CABVI, Dining in the Dark, Follow the Yellow Brick Road | 6-11 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Oz-inspired adventure with immersive experiences, food, entertainment and a little bit of magic. Ten-year anniversary. ¼cincyblind.org
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Companions on a Journey, Morning of Hope Breakfast | 8-9:30 a.m. Cooper Creek Event Center, Blue Ash. Breakfast to raise awareness of grief support. Tickets: $30. ¼companionsonajourney.org
4C for Children, Champions Gala | 6 p.m. Manor House, Mason. Cocktail reception, dinner, presentation, live auction and after-party. Tickets: $200. ¼4cforchildren.org Aubrey Rose Foundation, Let’s Dance for the Heart of It! | 6-11 p.m. Mercantile Immersive, downtown. Cocktail hour, silent/live auctions, dinner and live music. Tickets: $250. ¼aubreyrose.org The Beechwood Home, Fall Gala | Kenwood Country Club. Honoring Dr. Joseph Broderick. Soul Pocket Band. ¼beechwoodhome.com Black & White Cancer Survivors Foundation, Annual Gala | 6-11 p.m. Sharonville Convention Center. Cocktails, dinner. Formal attire. Tickets: $120 ¼blackandwhitecancersurvivorsfoundation.com One Shot Foundation, Birthday Bash | 6-10 p.m. Anderson Pavilion. Hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations and complimentary beer and wine. Tickets: $135. ¼oneshot.life
Movers & Makers
SnacPac4L Foundation Gala | 4-10 p.m. Oasis Golf Club, Loveland. Food, music, fun and philanthropy. Tickets: $75. ¼zeffy.com WAVE Foundation, Career Exploration Panel | 10-11:30 a.m. WAVE Foundation, Newport. Open panel discussion among biologists, conservation educators, divers and more. Tickets: $5. ¼wavefoundation.org NOV. 19, THURSDAY AFP Cincinnati, National Philanthropy Day | 6-8 p.m. Corbett Tower, Music Hall. Reception recognizing local individuals, organizations and businesses inspiring change through nonprofit organizations. New format allowing more conversation and networking. ¼afpcincinnati.org NOV. 20, FRIDAY Cincinnati Museum Center, Omnimax Dinner Date | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Union Terminal. Three-course meal, beer, wine and screening of “T. REX.” Tickets: $150. ¼cincymuseum.org
Contemporary Arts Center, Cuisine Art Cocktails | 6-10 p.m. Contemporary Arts Center, downtown. Light bites, interactive art experiences, performances and gallery access. Honorary chairs: Jens G. Rosenkrantz Jr. and M. Katherine Hurley. Tickets: $175. ¼contemporaryartscenter.org People Working Cooperatively, Prepare Affair | Use home-repair skills to provide important home maintenance services to seniors and people with disabilities living on low or fixed incomes. ¼pwchomerepairs.org/prepare-affair NOV. 23, MONDAY St. Elizabeth Foundation, Holiday Style Show & Luncheon | 10 a.m. Turfway Park, Florence. Emcee: Kyle Inskeep. Vendors, silent auction and wine/spirits pull. Tickets: $75; $700 table. ¼stelizabeth.com NOV. 26, THURSDAY Western & Southern, Thanksgiving Day Race | 7-9 a.m. TQL Stadium. 10K, 5K and kids race options. Benefits various charities. ¼thanksgivingdayrace.com
NOV. 21, SATURDAY Abercrumbie Group, Men of Honor | 6-10 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Black-tie event honoring Jason Dunn, Stephen Langenkamp, James Mack, Chuck Mingo and Kenneth Parker. Tickets: $260. ¼theabercrumbiegroup.com Cincinnati Opera, The Gala: “Noir, Silver & Song” | Venue TBA. Cocktails, food and entertainment. Cochairs: Tarita Preston and Brian Tiffany. Save the date. ¼cincinnatiopera.org
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Nonprofit News Your input needed for Oasis Trail The Oasis Trail is taking shape, and Cincinnati residents now get a say in what it will look like. Great Parks and the City of Cincinnati have launched a virtual open house seeking feedback on design and access options for the planned trail connecting Sawyer Point downtown with the Lunken Airport area. The trail would replace the northern track of the Oasis Rail Line and close a gap in the 34-mile CROWN trail network. The project is estimated to cost more than $19 million, with about $14 million in public grants already secured. The virtual open house is available through Oct. 23. greatparks.org
Miami adds new tech department, degree programs Miami University is giving students in Hamilton and Middletown more ways to get hands-on with the technology shaping today’s job market. The university’s regional campuses have launched a new Department of Applied Computing and Engineering Technology, along with associate degrees in mechatronics and engineering technology. The programs are set to begin in fall 2027 and are part of the transformation of Miami’s Hamilton campus into a polytechnic college. Students will be able to move directly into the workforce or continue toward a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, with options focused on areas including robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing. Miami also plans to expand certificates, shortterm training and partnerships with career technical centers and community colleges. The university says the goal is to build a clearer path from high school to college and the workforce while helping current workers keep up with rapidly changing technology. “Modern technology no longer exists in silos,” said Mohammad Mayyas, associate dean for strategic initiatives and chair of the new department. “Artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, industrial automation, smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things all require professionals who understand both digital and physical technologies.” miamioh.edu
Summerfair launches 60th anniversary arts scavenger hunt Summerfair Cincinnati is celebrating 60 years by sending people on a months-long tour of the local arts scene. The 60th Quest is spotlighting a different arts organization or cultural destination each month through May 2027. It started in September. Participants can visit the featured location, snap a selfie at a designated spot and post it to social media with #SF60Quest for a chance to win. The stops include 1001 Colors, Art Academy of Cincinnati, The Carnegie, Cincinnati Arts Association, Cincinnati Public Radio, Clifton Cultural Arts Center, MEMI/Farmer Music Center and Manifest. Each has a connection to Summerfair through past funding or partnerships. Summerfair will announce each month’s location and contest details on its Facebook and Instagram pages. The final Quest will coincide with the unveiling of the 2027 Summerfair poster. facebook.com/SummerfairCincinnati
SPCA opens new OTR adoption site SPCA Cincinnati opened its new Overthe-Rhine Adoption Center with a ribboncutting and community open house at 1312 Main St., adding a second adoption location in addition to its Sharonville campus. The 1,795-square-foot center has room for six dogs and 10 cats at a time, along with private meet-and-greet rooms where potential adopters can spend time with animals. The street-level storefront also puts adoptable pets in view of people walking along Main Street. “This is about making adoption more accessible and creating more opportunities for animals to find homes,” said Chris Seelbach, president and CEO of SPCA Cincinnati. “Over-the-Rhine gives us the opportunity to bring adoptable animals directly into the heart of the community.” The OTR center complements SPCA Cincinnati’s Sharonville campus, which continues to handle medical care, behavioral support and most of the organization’s shelter operations. The opening is part of a $3.5 million investment by the nonprofit that also includes a new medical facility in Sharonville. spcacincinnati.org
Historic photo taken at Findlay Market. Scan QR code to submit yours.
Findlay Market wants your stories Findlay Market is digging into its past ahead of its 175th anniversary next year – and wants your help. The Corporation for Findlay Market is looking for stories and photos from former business owners and employees, as well as their family members. Those memories will become part of a yearlong anniversary project highlighting the market’s history and its role in Cincinnati’s food, business and community life. Have a Findlay Market story tucked away in an old photo album or passed down through your family? You can share it through the market’s online form or pick up a paper copy at the Market Center during market hours.
Entrepreneurial podcast flies into a second season Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, a Cincinnati nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs build businesses with a social mission, is back with a second season of its “ON THE FLY!” podcast – now with video. The podcast has moved to YouTube for Season 2, featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, community leaders, funders and others working to create social and economic impact. Season 1 produced 28 episodes and topped 1,000 downloads. The new season opens with Suzanne Smith, who founded Flywheel 15 years ago, and Allyson West, founder of the Cindependent Film Festival and a 2025 Flywheel accelerator graduate. Other guests include leaders from Brick Gardens, All-In Cincinnati, Strategies to End Homelessness and United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Flywheel provides education, mentorship and connections through programs including its Elevate Impact Accelerator and Social Innovation Labs, helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their ventures. Longtime Flywheel coach Joan Kaup hosts “ON THE FLY!,” which is produced by Flywheel coach Joey Scarillo. youtube.com
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NAMES in the NEWS
Amy Waldbillig
Tanya Cornejo
Dr. James Greenberg
Kimberly Rossetti
Melanie Stutenroth
Gabriella Morehouse
Jessimi Jones
Jim Danneman
Sr. Karen Elliott
Amy Waldbillig is bringing more than 20 years of higher education and workforce development experience to her new role as president of Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science. She spent the past eight years as vice president of enrollment services and workforce development at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, where she oversaw enrollment, workforce development, marketing and health programming. Dr. James Greenberg of Cincinnati Children’s has been named the 2026 recipient of the March of Dimes medical honoree award. Greenberg has spent his career advancing maternal and infant health through research, innovation and education, according to Cincinnati Children’s. The hospital noted that Greenberg will be honored at the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala in November.
OCTOBER 2026
Movers & Makers
Walt Gibler
Maura Lang
DeJuan Gossett
Partnership for Innovation in Education CEO Mary Welsh Schlueter has been selected for the Ohio Excels Education & Workforce Policy Fellowship, a statewide program focused on strengthening the education-to-workforce pipeline. The program brings together business, nonprofit and community leaders to explore education and workforce issues and develop new ideas for connecting students with careers. Schlueter’s fellowship runs through May 2027.
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Dr. Tom DeWitt
Cincinnati nonprofit 4C for Children added four new members to its board of trustees: attorney Louise Brock, Dr. Tom DeWitt of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Maura Lang of Tibbals Law Office LLC and Travis Speice of the Women’s Fund at Greater Cincinnati Foundation. The new trustees will serve three-year terms helping guide the nonprofit’s work to expand access to quality early education and care.
Melanie Stutenroth has joined Easterseals Redwood as director of advancement, bringing more than a decade of nonprofit fundraising and community engagement experience to the role. A Lexington native who has lived in Cincinnati for more than 20 years, Stutenroth spent eight years at the Cincinnati Art Museum, most recently as associate director of philanthropy. There, she helped grow the museum’s corporate partnerships and leadership giving program.
Jessimi Jones is leaving the Springfield Museum of Art after six years to take the top job at the Dayton Art Institute. In Springfield, Jones led a $7 million capital campaign that funded a major renovation of the museum’s North Wing, which reopened in early 2024. A Kent State graduate who previously worked at the Columbus Museum of Art and Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Jones starts at DAI on Oct. 19.
Louise Brock
Keisha Easley has taken over as executive director of Village Life Outreach Project, moving into the role after joining the Cincinnati nonprofit in August 2025. Founded in 2004, Village Life has helped more than 20,000 people in three rural Tanzanian villages gain permanent access to health care and has expanded access to clean water. A Cincinnati native, Easley has spent her career working on programs supporting students entering medical careers and international outreach. Fundraising professional Tanya Cornejo joined Impacting Tomorrow as chief philanthropy officer. The Loveland nonprofit provides families with food, clothing, healthcare and other essential resources, serving families across 159 ZIP codes in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana last year. Cornejo will work to grow that reach by leading the organization’s fundraising and donor relationships.
Travis Speice
Sister Barbara Hagedorn
Mary Welsh Schlueter
David Mueller
Keisha Easley
Nick Ragland
Elizabeth Stautberg
BE NKY Growth Partnership is putting a new title on a familiar face, promoting Kimberly Rossetti to chief economic development officer, a newly created position. Rossetti joined the Northern Kentucky economic development organization in 2019 and has helped bring 130 projects representing more than $2 billion in investment and 10,570 announced jobs to the region. She was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2024 and is past chair of the Kentucky Association for Economic Development.
Nonprofit lab incubator LifeSciKY has welcomed Gabriella Morehouse as its new executive operations fellow. The University of Cincinnati senior will support community engagement, startup initiatives and day-to-day operations while gaining experience in Northern Kentucky’s life sciences and biotech industry. Morehouse previously participated in the Cintrifuse Startup Fellowship Program and is co-founder and president of Women’s Health Advocates.
DePaul Cristo Rey High School has added eight new members to its board of directors: Jim Danneman of Huntington National Bank; Sister Karen Elliott of the Sisters of the Precious Blood; Walt Gibler of Coldwell Banker Realty; DeJuan Gossett of USI Insurance; Sister Barbara Hagedorn of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati; David Mueller, a retired educator and principal; Nick Ragland IV of Salt Creek Capital; and Elizabeth Stautberg, a retired executive and community volunteer. The new members bring experience in banking, education, real estate, insurance and community leadership.
NAMES in the NEWS
Dami Choi
Deneen DeFiore
David Harper
Peter Hiltz
Kyle Inskeep
Heidi Jark
Elizabeth Warner
Joseph Bricker
Matt Strange
Melissa Wideman
Ian McClure
Patricia Nagelkirk
Betsy Neyer
Brian Doyle
Michael Chertock
Joanna Lowry
Van Sullivan
Emily Smith Pirrello
Dany Villarreal Martinez
Lilley Halloran
The Cincinnati May Festival picked Dami Choi as its 2026-27 Choral Conducting Fellow. Choi is pursuing a doctorate in choral conducting at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music and previously earned a master’s degree from the University of British Columbia, where she conducted several choirs and taught music in public schools. She also was a 2025 conducting fellow with the National Collegiate Choral Organization and recently received the Iwan Edwards Young Choral Conducting Scholarship.
Seven Cincinnati leaders from business, media and the arts are joining the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s board of directors for the 2026-27 season. They are Deneen DeFiore of United Airlines, David Harper of GE Aerospace, Peter Hiltz of Kingsview Partners, Local 12 anchor Kyle Inskeep, Heidi Jark of Fifth Third Bank, arts advocate and former educator Elizabeth Warner and CSO musician representative Joseph Bricker.
The Christ Hospital Health Network has expanded its leadership team, naming Matt Strange chief administrative officer and Melissa Wideman vice president of government affairs, advocacy and community relations. Strange will oversee several areas tied to patient care and experience, while Wideman will lead government relations, public policy and community engagement. Both bring years of experience in their respective fields to the Cincinnati health system, the health network said in a release.
LifeSciKY and the University of Kentucky are strengthening their partnership with Ian D. McClure’s appointment to the nonprofit lab incubator’s board of directors. McClure is UK HealthCare’s vice president for innovation and UK’s associate vice president of research, innovation and economic impact.
Learning Grove named Patricia Nagelkirk vice president of youth workforce and executive director of NaviGo. Nagelkirk, founder of Patricia Nagelkirk Consulting, brings decades of community and corporate leadership experience to the role. The nonprofit also added two people to its board of directors: community leader Betsy Neyer and Messer finance executive Brian Doyle.
Longtime Mason resident Michael Chertock is the new music director of the Mason Symphony Orchestra. A conductor, pianist and educator, Chertock has led the Blue Ash-Montgomery Symphony Orchestra and conducted more than 75 performances of “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake” with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Columbus Symphony. He also chairs the piano department at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music.
Talbert House welcomed Joanna Lowry as its new regional director of court and corrections, bringing more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health, addiction services and court programming. Lowry previously held several roles at Talbert House, including associate director for Burnet Intensive Services. She most recently held leadership roles with the Butler County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services Board and Altarum Institute.
After a national search, Green Umbrella decided to keep its next leader in-house. The environmental nonprofit named Van Sullivan its new executive director. Sullivan had served as interim executive director since February, after previously leading the organization’s programs and climate strategy. A Cincinnati resident for 25 years, Sullivan helped create the Climate Action Fellowship and Climate Research Incubator and led Green Umbrella’s transition into a Regional Climate Collaborative.
The Sam Hubbard Foundation named Cincinnati-based nonprofit and strategy executive Emily Smith Pirrello as its new executive director, succeeding founding director Matt Kittell. Pirrello previously held leadership roles with the United Nations Foundation and Sundance Institute and is a strategy and operations consultant for Film Cincinnati.
A grant from the Adam R. Scripps Foundation allowed Cincinnati Public Radio to add two reporters to the WVXU newsroom and expand the station’s geographic coverage. University of Washington graduate Dany Villarreal Martinez joined in January and covers Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Northern Kentucky. Covering Butler, Warren and Clermont counties is Lilley Halloran, a University of Missouri graduate.
Just ONE PRINT AD PER YEAR from EACH NONPROFIT we serve would transform our collective voice: more pages, more news and more feature stories. We’re in this TOGETHER: Email tmariner@moversmakers.org
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
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GIFTS & GRANTS
Christ Hospital gets $3.6M NIH grant for heart disease trial The Christ Hospital says it is leading the nation’s first clinical trial aimed at treating a form of heart disease that can cause debilitating chest pain even when patients have no major artery blockages. The study is backed by a $3.6 million National Institutes of Health grant. Dr. Odayme Quesada, medical director of The Christ Hospital’s Women’s Heart Center, will lead the five-year aDAPt-ANOCA study. The trial will test whether dapagliflozin, an FDA-approved drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and heart failure, can reverse coronary microvascular disease in patients with angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease. The study will enroll 120 patients at The Carl & Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education, with half receiving dapagliflozin and half receiving a placebo. Patient enrollment is expected to begin this fall. The condition, known as ANOCA, affects up to 70% of people evaluated for chest pain who have no significant artery blockages. It disproportionately affects women and is estimated to cost the U.S. economy $21 billion annually, according to The Christ Hospital. Researchers from The Christ Hospital and the University of Cincinnati will collaborate on the study, which will be conducted solely at The Christ Hospital.
GCF boosts 28 nonprofits via Healthy People grants The Greater Cincinnati Foundation has awarded $816,120 to 28 nonprofits through its “Healthy People: Community & Cultural Vibrancy” grant cycle. The grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and support programs addressing health, disability services, housing stability and behavioral health. Among the recipients: Brighton Center and the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati, which each received $50,000; Family Nurturing Center and Women Helping Women, which each received $40,000; and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, which received $35,000. Girls on the Run of Greater Cincinnati received $15,000, while Scrap2Home received $10,000. The grants are part of GCF’s plan to invest $1 billion in Greater Cincinnati over the next decade, including $150 million focused on housing, education, and community and cultural vibrancy. See the full list of Healthy People grant recipients on the Movers & Makers website. moversmakers.org 36
OCTOBER 2026
Movers & Makers
The Christ Hospital is leading the nation’s first clinical trial targeting heart disease that causes chest pain without major artery blockages. Dr. Odayme Quesada (pictured) will lead the five-year study.
Price Hill Will gets $615K for 7 homes Price Hill Will has received $615,000 through the Welcome Home Ohio program to support construction of seven new homes in Price Hill. The award is part of the latest round of the statewide homeownership initiative, which is providing $26.9 million for 246 homes across Ohio. The funding will support Price Hill Will’s ongoing housing and homesteading work, creating new homeownership opportunities for families while helping strengthen the neighborhood. Construction is expected to get underway as the organization begins putting the funding to work. pricehillwill.org
$1.7M endowment expands Carlson-Berne scholarship to CCM A Cincinnati music scholarship created in memory of a teenager who believed every child should have access to music is getting a $1.7 million boost at the University of Cincinnati. The UC Foundation has established the Ben Carlson-Berne Endowed Fund for CCM Prep with an estate gift from Ben’s parents, Phil Berne and Susan Carlson, and his cousin, David Berne. The endowment will provide need-based scholarships for students in CCM Prep, the College-Conservatory of Music’s community education program. The scholarship was established in 2004, two years after Ben died in a hiking accident at age 19. A lifelong lover of classical music, Ben taught children through the former Arts Consortium in downtown Cincinnati and helped find donated pianos for students who otherwise couldn’t practice at home. “It’s a living legacy for Ben,” Susan Carlson said. Since its creation, the scholarship has helped about 400 Cincinnati Public Schools students, according to the UC Foundation. Students can receive funding for private music lessons
through high school, with financial need rather than musical talent determining eligibility. The scholarship recently moved to CCM Prep, which offers music, dance and theater programs for people of all ages and abilities. The program’s home at CCM will allow Ben’s family to continue the work he started as a teenager. ccm.uc.edu
GE grants support local manufacturing education Six education-focused organizations are getting grants through the third year of the Future of Manufacturing Fund, a partnership between the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and GE Aerospace Foundation. The fund was launched in 2024 with a $1 million grant from the GE Aerospace Foundation to expand workforce development in aviation and advanced manufacturing. In its first two years, the program helped guide 13,255 people to advanced manufacturing careers. This year’s recipients are Cincinnati State, Gateway Community & Technical College, Miami University Hamilton, UC Clermont College, LEAD Training and the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership. The grants will support efforts ranging from welding and robotics training to career coaching, industry credentials and work-based learning. The goal is to help more people complete manufacturing training and move into jobs, internships and apprenticeships. “As this year’s grantees build on progress from previous years, they’re preparing more people for opportunities in a growing industry and helping build the skilled workforce our region needs to thrive,” said Moira Weir, UWGC’s president and CEO. geaerospace.com
Santa Maria gets $50K for Price Hill preschool program Santa Maria Community Services received a $50,000 PNC Foundation grant to support its Promoting Our Preschoolers program in Price Hill. The two-year grant will help the family-focused program prepare preschoolers for kindergarten through home visits that build reading, language and social skills while working with families, schools and community partners. A University of Cincinnati evaluation found the program improves children’s motor, social and conceptual skills, with the strongest gains among families who need the most support. SantaMaria-Cincy.org
Snapshots Paddlefest breaks record with 1,440 on the river The 25th anniversary Ohio River Paddlefest set the Guinness World Record for “Largest Paddle Craft Party,” recording 1,440 paddlers. The event raised $140,000 for organizer and beneficiary Adventure Crew, making it Paddlefest’s most successful year to date. The weekend kicked off with the Outdoors for All Expo. The evening featured music by Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle, Jake Speed & The Freddies, and Ma Crow & Co., along with more than 60 exhibitors, including parks, outdoor outfitters, environmental nonprofits and green businesses. On Saturday morning, paddlers took to the Ohio River in kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards while the river was closed to motorized boats. Adventure Crew connects city teens with nature and each other through outdoor adventures. The nonprofit serves more than 30 schools in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, with more than 900 teens participating each year. ohioriverpaddlefest.org
Adventure Crew Lead Outdoor Specialist Liz Slusher poses with the Guinness World Records certificate.
Ohio River Paddlefest 2026 set the Guinness World Record for Largest Paddle Craft Party, recording 1,440 paddlers.
Mike Miller and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval Eric Duval The first Ohio River Paddlefest court: Great Miami River Princess Betsy Dulle; Little Miami River Princess Ally Algiers; Licking River Princess Evie Moellering, who won the title of Ohio River Queen; and Mill Creek Princess Laura Sullivan Racers were the first paddlers on the water during Ohio River Paddlefest.
Katie Kemme Hazlewood and Patrick Hazlewood Dan Neyer
Susana Reyes, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records North America, attends Ohio River Paddlefest to observe and certify the attempt.
Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus Maggie Schwoeppe with Shelby Rumpke and Hannah Rumpke and their dogs at the Outdoors for All Expo
Adventure Crew teens, staff and volunteers
Adventure Crew Executive Director Libby Hunter conducts a media interview.
Movers & Makers
OCTOBER 2026
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SNAPSHOTS
Big Brothers Big Sisters dresses up for fashion show Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati welcomed more than 350 guests to MegaCorp Pavilion for the third annual Project Role Model Fashion Show, raising $215,000 to support the creation of over 100 lifechanging mentoring relationships in Greater Cincinnati. Bigs and Littles took the runway together wearing the latest fashions from Macy’s. Confidence radiated from the Littles as they stepped onto the stage knowing their mentors were cheering them on. The high-energy event celebrated what can happen when a community shows up for young people. This year’s Project Role Model honorees were Bob Deck and Kayla Robison. Fashion icon Ivy Costa and emcee Natalie Jones gave their time, talent and voices. Presenting sponsor was Donath Facial Plastic Surgery. bigsforkids.org
Ivy Costa and BBBS CEO Jessica Esterkamp Honorees Bob Deck and Kayla Robison Big Brother Willy Valcin and Little Brother Johnny Big Sister and board member Mollie Lewis and Little Sister Sophia
BBBS staffers: (Back row) Terrell Blue, Julie Knutson, Michelle McClurg, Therese Sangermano, CEO Jessica Esterkamp, Cherise Duncan, Julie Ziegler, Jackie Graves and Michael Cotrell; (front row) Kate CoyneChalland, Kylee Fitzgerald, Delaney Fichlie and MeKhail Shockley
Little Brother Ray Vone and Big Brother John Sheldon Big Sister Blanda Pitts and Little Sister Jada
Big Brother Cooper Theobald and Little Brother John
Dan Thatcher, Ryan Hill, board member Katie Hill, Anthony Howard, Paula Thatcher, and YP board member Bethany Worton Dr. Alex Donath and Molly Donath
Big Sister Allison Wommack and Little Sister Olivia
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Event emcee Natalie Jones
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Little Sister Janica and Big Sister Janice Marsh
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Sponsors Brian Sabers and Candace Sabers with Doug Sabers and Brandy Sabers
From Mercy Health: (Back row) Jack Hemenway and Andrew Stothert; (front row) Gina Hemenway and Alana Stothert
Pickleball fundraiser swings for Talbert House Summer Smash raised more than $53,000 to support Talbert House programs and services that empower children, adults and families to live healthy, safe and productive lives. The host was the Talbert House Ambassador Board. Over 120 guests gathered at The Pickle Lodge for an evening of pickleball, dinner and raffles. The event raised funds to support Talbert House and its mission to improve lives and strengthen communities. The Talbert House Ambassadors have made Summer Smash a signature event. The young professional board is made up of 21 members under 40 years old who are committed to Talbert House’s mission and making a difference in the community. Summer Smash was supported by Fifth Third Bank among other sponsors. talberthouse.org
Jen Feldmeyer and Scot Feldmeyer
Midland Atlantic Properties: Hannah O’Toole, Brian O’Toole and Lorraine O’Toole
HORAN Wealth: Talbert House board member Greg Hoernschemeyer, Patti Dewitt, John Simmons, Carol Goodman and Patty Myers Fifth Third Bank: (Back row) Railan Bates, Cameron Hart, Brad Bowling, Tessa Kuzio, Alyssa Argenti, Brooklynn DiPaolo and Jeanine Orzali; (middle row) Alana Hughes, Midian Johnson and Cassie Stace; (front row) Iyla Orzali and Lorenzo Orzali Talbert House Ambassador Board: (Back row) Sam Adkins, Richard Bascom, Joseph Odhiambo, Sam Salamone, Rudy Jones, Andrew White, Grant Bagshaw and Zac Martin, vice chair; (front row) Board Chair Alyssa Argenti, past chair Brian O’Toole, Patrick Finlay, Ramona Peckham, Midian Johnson, Tori Roberts and Emily Foley
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GCF Women’s Fund previews data dashboard The Women’s Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation welcomed donors, supporters and community leaders to The Story of Us: Pulse & Progress at The Spot on West Fifth. The evening raised approximately $75,000 in support of Pulse 2.0, the Women’s Fund’s forthcoming interactive data dashboard tracking economic security, wages, childcare and more for women and girls across Greater Cincinnati. Guests experienced a sneak peek at the dashboard, plus a panel conversation moderated by Mary Stagaman and featuring Rickell Howard Smith of YWCA Greater Cincinnati, Kiana R. Trabue of HealthPath Foundation of Ohio and Dean Woodring of 4C for Children. Live portrait artwork by Karen Boyhen and food from women-owned Findlay Kitchen vendors rounded out the evening. The Pulse 2.0 Dashboard launches free to the public in January 2027. cincinnatiwomensfund.org
Moderator Mary Stagaman, panelist Rickell Howard Smith, and Executive Director Camilla Worrell, with panelists Dean Woodring and Kiana Trabue Jaimie Meyer of sponsor 1919 Investment Counsel, Alison Bevilacqua, Leah Foxx and Christy Johnson Yolanda Sherrer of sponsor AllMac & Associates, Tina R. Macon and Andrew Worrell
Sponsor Kyle Wynk-Sivashankar, Erica Nyberg, Mary Stagaman and Sivashankar Manoharan
Sponsor Julie Sporing and Nicolette Rader, Women’s Fund development director Stephanie Butler of sponsor Katz Teller, Wijdan Jreisat and Camilla Worrell, Women’s Fund executive director
Rasheda Cromwell, GCF chief impact officer, with panelist Kiana Trabue and Elodie Killins Lyn Marsteller, Linda Chaney and sponsor Kathy Merchant Sarah Dworak, Suzanne Wernke and Kelly Lanser of Findlay Market, and Tova Suddarth Sarah Weiss, GCF chief philanthropy officer, and Kate Morris with Irene Tsai and Rachel Rasmussen of sponsor Foster & Motley
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EquaSion Festival of Faiths celebrates unity in diversity Nearly 1,500 people gathered for the 2026 Cincinnati Festival of Faiths, with exhibitors, performers and volunteers representing faith traditions and communities in Greater Cincinnati filling the Cintas Center space. Participants shared traditions, asked questions, listened to one another’s stories, discovered new perspectives, enjoyed music and performances and simply spent time being together, according to event organizer EquaSion. Volunteers described watching people from different faiths talk, laugh and learn about one another’s traditions with curiosity and openness. EquaSion is building on those connections with programming between festivals, including “Faith and Friendship” groups, where participants can deepen relationships across differences. The organization uses the festival as a reminder that our lives are enriched, our perspectives expanded and our community strengthened through conversation with those whose lives may look different from our own. equasion.org
Hindu priest Acharya Kailash Sharma hugs Rabbi Gary Zola. Mike Hawkins, EquaSion board president, stands with a member of the Sikh faith.
Deidre Hazelbaker, executive director of EquaSion; Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval; Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney; Sandy Kaltman, EquaSion board vice president
Hindu dancers from Sampradaya Dance
Aruni Marapane, Sister Sally Duffy and Roy Smethers during the opening ceremony
Lorena Mora-Mowry, Hispanic Chamber Foundation board member, and volunteer Adriana Guzman pose at the Dia de los Muertos showcase.
A child walks the meditation labyrinth.
Clifton Golf Outing helps DPCR golf team Clifton Golf Outing reached a milestone at Avon Fields Golf Course, topping $200,000 raised over the years for neighborhood nonprofits. This year’s Duke Energy Friend of Clifton honoree was Josh Lea, who has led Clifton’s SAY Soccer and local tennis and pickleball programs. The event’s beneficiary was the new golf team at DePaul Cristo Rey High School. DePaul Cristo Rey serves students whose families have limited financial means. cliftoncommunity.org
Rabbi Samantha Schapera blows a Jewish horn called the shofar.
John Juech, UC Lady Bearcat Natalia Sompolvorachai, DePaul Cristo Rey student Samahra, Mike Anastasia, John Whedon and DePaul Cristo Rey golf coach Dave Lockard Gaby Blocher, Leslie Mooney, Molly North and Patrice Burke
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SNAPSHOTS Tamia Stinson, Sheila Williams and Charla Weiss
Movers & Makers was in The Know The stars aligned in September and Movers & Makers’ monthly Mix & Mingle coincided with Know Theatre’s season opener, allowing guests to stick around after the happy hour for a free preview performance of “Make Believe.” Know Theatre board members and staff went all out to make sure guests were well-supplied with food and drink before the curtain. Guests included September cover subject Charla Weiss and novelist Sheila Williams, who wrote her profile. And Tamia Stinson, executive director of Cincinnati Artist Network, also profiled in September, was in attendance. Our next happy hour is Oct. 14. See ad on Page 4 to register.
Know Theatre board member Sarah Murphy and Know Theatre producing artist director Bridget Leak
Donna Harris and Melissa Gray Molly Scruta, Anne Steinert and Helene Herbert
Katrina Weiss, Thom Mariner and Ed Mathis
Jeff Hartman, Richard Graeter, Cookie Hartman, Nancy Graeter, David Girmann and Tom Flottman
Bryn Weller, Leo D’Cruz and Rudy Bublitz
Melissa English and Sarah Murphy
Elizabeth Mariner and Know board member Jeff Syrony
Moulay Essakalli and Tina Gutierrez Melisse May and Lauren Gassier Daniel Tweedall and Elizabeth Fung
Jay Kalagayan, Elizabeth Mariner and Jeff Syroney
Jen KramerWine and Nadya Ellerhorst
Laura Noyes and Mike Noyes Julie Coppens and Reidar Strorvik 42
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Sylvester DuPree and Ryan DuPree Bryn Weller and Paul Gaitan
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Cincinnati Rhythm Ropers
Bethany House cookout celebrates 43 years of helping families Celebrating 43 years of welcoming families into its shelter, Bethany House Services held its Anniversary Cookout. People came together to celebrate the nonprofit’s founders’ vision with food, music, and familyfriendly activities – including a bounce house and water slide, tours of the building, arts, crafts and more. Since opening in 1983, Bethany House has supported local families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, helping them find safety, stability and hope. bethanyhouseservices.org Hannah Kuethe-Wayman of Bethany House with a child at the event
Jessica Starr of Bethany House serves food. Families play games at the cookout.
Shelter paraprofessional Verlerria Dowling (left) with a family
Bethany House CEO Peg Dierkers with CFO Crystal Holliday
Watch on CET and the PBS app Props were provided for photo ops.
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Golf outing injects funds into Charitable Pharmacy The annual Prescription Fore Fun Golf Outing celebrated and supported St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati’s Charitable Pharmacy, which has provided life-changing care for 20 years. Presenting sponsors were Protective and PhRMA. The event, which featured two shotgun starts, took place at Western Hills Country Club The Charitable Pharmacy provides free prescription medications to people who otherwise might not be able to afford them. The event raised more than $150,000, enough for more than $1.35 million in essential medications. In fiscal year 2025, the Charitable Pharmacy filled 102,482 prescriptions, valued at $17.7 million, for 2,091 patients. svdpcincinnati.org
Michelle Jones, Jane Liesch, Kaytlynd Lainhart and Heather Paparella
Chad Wehrman, Deborah Ault, Jim Earl and Pam Rincones
Justin Rhoe, Amber Wells, Joey Miller and Luke Ireton Chris Forg and Matt Budke
John Lame, Mark Exler, Scott Clark and David Hammerstrom
Hubbard’s Cupboard supplies students at Taft Elementary The Christ Hospital Health Network is partnering with the Sam Hubbard Foundation to help local students. The hospital is sponsoring Hubbard’s Cupboard at William H. Taft Elementary School in Mount Auburn. Hubbard’s Cupboard, collaborating with Crayons and Beyond, is an on-site, on-demand resource for students and teachers, providing school supplies, hygiene products and healthy snacks. Sam Hubbard, a Cincinnati native who played seven seasons with the Bengals, and Debbie Hayes, president and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network, took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Team members from the hospital network and program volunteers will stock the cupboards approximately twice a month during the school year. samhubbardfoundation.com, thechristhospital.com/news-and-events, crayonsandbeyond.org 44
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Debbie Hayes, president and CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network; Dana Jason, Taft Elementary principal; and Sam Hubbard of the Sam Hubbard Foundation
SNAPSHOTS (Back row) Wendy Wilson, Barbara MustoeMonteith, Joel Monteith, Cory Christopher, Jeff Corney, Tommy Evans and Tom Garber; (front row) Connie O’Connor, Irwin Simon, Melinda Simon, Kristi Masterson, Tammy Alverson, Dave Alverson and Sarah Anness Evans
Nature Center opens Conservation Field Station Cincinnati Nature Center celebrated the opening of the Marjorie and Chuck Drackett Conservation Field Station at Long Branch Farm in Goshen. The 4,000-square-foot field station will host conservation activities, including research, native plant production and restoration projects. It also will support ecological research with academic institutions across the region. The space will enable landowners who want to manage their own natural areas to learn effective practices. It includes a native seed processing and storage barn, lab workstations, equipment space and additional plant cultivation hoop houses, along with meeting rooms, office space and restrooms. cincynature.org/ post/new-conservation-field-station
Ohio state Rep. Jean Schmidt and Jeff Corney, Cincinnati Nature Center executive director
Molly Garber, Tom Garber and Anne Thomas Jen Castellini, Liz Knuppel, Graham Mitchell, Connie O’Connor
Barbara Mustoe-Monteith, Olivia Espinoza and Joel Monteith Jake Sberna, Kristi Masterson, Jeff Corney, Tom Garber, Cory Christopher and Olivia Espinoza
Irwin Simon and Melinda Simon
CancerFree KIDS’ 100 Mile Challenge returns Supporters of CancerFree KIDS laced up for the 100 Mile Challenge, presented by ProMach in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The month-long fitness and fundraising challenge encouraged participants to complete 100 miles in 30 days while raising at least $100 to support innovative childhood cancer research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Participants could walk, run, bike, swim, skate, garden or stay active in another way. A Kickoff Party at the Lindner Family Tennis Center featured a first-mile walk with CancerFree KIDS Champions, a pickleball tournament, games and activities for the whole family. CancerFreeKIDS.org
Jill Brinck, CancerFree KIDS executive director, addresses Champion families whose children have undergone cancer treatment.
Kids help kick off the 100 Mile Challenge.
Movers & Makers
100 Mile Challenge Chair Ryan Brew and family begin their 100 miles at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
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Pro Seniors honors advocates
Christine Buttress and Dwight Packard II of Bricker Graydon Wyatt Law with David Eltringham and Matt Eldingham of Benchmark Wealth Management
Pro Seniors’ Seniors Who Rock 2026 event celebrated Alfonso Cornejo, Howard D. Elliott and Julieta Marie Simms, who shared the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of advocacy, championing the quiet heroes among us and stepping in when they see a need. Pro Seniors also presented the inaugural Thomas G. Bedall, Esq. Justice Bridge Champion Award to Eric D. Bender. Bender, an attorney with the Pro Seniors Helpline Referral Panel, has helped expand access to justice for low-income older adults by consistently accepting pro bono and reduced-fee legal matters proseniors.org
Cincinnati Vice Mayor JanMichele Kearney, Howard D. Elliott, Julieta Simms, Alfonso Cornejo and Eric Kearney
Eric Kearney, Monica Perdones, Hazel Planchart, Anabel Martin and Karla Boldery
Eric Bender, Kelley Bender, Mary Bender and Emily Bender
Golf outing brings support to those grieving loss At the 12th annual Vince Munafo Memorial Golf Outing, 148 golfers enjoyed the Glenview Golf Course, good food, on-course games and a silent auction, raising $96,000 for Companions on a Journey. The outing provides hope, strength and healing to grieving adults through COJ’s Grief Support groups and to students in the more than 65 local schools where COJ hosts monthly groups. companionsonajourney.org
The team from New York Life – COJ Board Member John Staag, Olivia Schumacher, Tyler Roe, Brian Burger, Michael Rudolph, Alex Hesse and Keisha Saunders-Waldron – donated their time to welcome golfers.
Golfer Joe Gundlach fist bumps retired NFL player Darren Anderson for a great putt.
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Son Mike Munafo, COJ founder Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, grandsons Trevor and Tee, and son Tony Munafo join to honor husband, father and grandfather Vince.
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Neighbor to Neighbor promotes facts about immigrants More than 75 community organizations joined elected officials and regional leaders for the launch of Neighbor to Neighbor, a storytelling and community engagement campaign designed to replace myths and assumptions about immigrants with facts, authentic stories and opportunities for connection. Led by Cincinnati Compass and the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, Neighbor to Neighbor asks Greater Cincinnati residents and organizations to help create a region where immigrant neighbors are known, valued and feel a greater sense of belonging. Representatives from community organizations signed the BridgeBuilder Wall, pledging their commitment to share facts, amplify immigrant voices and help build greater understanding. Attendees also viewed a new Neighbor to Neighbor video highlighting the experiences of immigrants who call Greater Cincinnati home. n2nmovement.org
Karla Boldery; Mayra Jackson, executive director, Immigrant and Refugee Law Center; Bryan Wright, executive director, Cincinnati Compass; Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus; Felicity Tao, board member, Cincinnati Compass; Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney; and Simon Svirnovskiy, board member, Immigrant and Refugee Law Center Speakers Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Pavin V. Parikh, Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus
Golf Classic an ace for American Cancer Society The 22nd annual Cincinnati Golf Classic brought together friends, supporters and colleagues, raising more than $1.2 million in support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. The event, held at Kenwood Country Club, was presented by Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James Cancer Research & Solove Research Institute. It recognized Brian Malthouse as the 2026 Cincinnati Golf Classic honoree. The two-day classic featured a Sunday Soirée dinner/ mission program and three full flights of golf on Monday on Kenwood’s two courses. The sold-out event, chaired by Ken Black, CEO of Advertising Vehicles & Adsposure, surpassed its fundraising goal and marked the first time the event has raised more than $1 million. cincinnatigolfclassic.org
Emcee Meghan Mongillo of Local 12 and event chair Ken Black
The prestigious Red Jacket was presented to Brian Malthouse’s family; pictured are Brittain Malthouse, Leisa Malthouse, Conner Malthouse, Jackie Cardello and Alan Deichler.
Guests toast honoree Brian Malthouse, who was unable to attend.
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Wild About Wine highlights zoo projects Wine lovers gathered at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to stroll the zoo, sample beverages, enjoy great music and experience up-close animal encounters at the annual Wild About Wine event. The event is part of A Toast to the Wild, sponsored by Cavalier Distributing, which benefits the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Wildlife, also known as CREW. CREW’s scientists collaborate with other leading conservationists and organizations to achieve their mission: Saving Species with Science. CREW is advancing efforts to secure a positive future for endangered species. This year’s event highlighted two of CREW’s signature projects: Imperiled Cats and Exceptional Plants. cincinnatizoo.org
David Plogmann, Barbara Plogmann, Grace Ford, Jean Turcu and Kelsey Plogmann Raegan Steele and Elena Millikan
Elizabeth Brammer-Robbins, Shauni Windle, Tori Kennedy and Rebecca Evey
Brandon Proheartdth and Taylor Proheartdth
Taste of the Bengals scores for Freestore It wasn’t a game day, but clients of Freestore Foodbank were big winners at Paycor Stadium for the annual Taste of the Bengals fundraiser. More than 900 people showed up to enjoy food from 40 local restaurants and caterers. Bengals players, coaches and broadcasters mingled with fans, signed autographs and spoke to the crowd. Offensive guard Dalton Risner was player host on stage. freestorefoodbank.org Who Dey, Freestore Foodbank CEO Kreg Keesee and Dave Lapham
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Emcee Bob Herzog, Who Dey, Dalton Risner and Dave Lapham Freestore Foodbank VP Trisha Rayner and Orlando Brown Jr.
Dalton Risner, player host
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M&M starts a Ruckus for Mix & Mingle Movers & Makers likes to shine its light on the next big thing, and in August we had our chance to be the first kids on the block to experience Ruckus, the new experiential arts space in East Walnut Hills. Our monthly Mix & Mingle even preceded Ruckus’s opening night. About 75 intrepid souls braved stormy weather to check out this colorful, fun venue. Thanks to owner/host James Reynolds for food and drink and for making us feel oh-so welcome. The next Mix & Mingle is Oct. 14, venue TBA. Stay tuned to our website and weekly email newsletter.
Ariana Broerman and Dave Jenike Christie Brown, Jay Kalagayan and Beth Benson
Jim Reynolds and Nikki Franz
Dale Pontz and Joe Wessels
Thom Mariner and Ruckus owner James Reynolds
Elizabeth Mariner and Paul Kroner
Garrett Parsons and Janet Jansen
Golfers at three events help student programs Hundreds of golfers joined the JA Golf Classic 2026, raising more than $355,000 to help more than 71,000 students in the region. The classic consisted of summer events at Triple Crown Country Club, Heritage Country Club and The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills. Each event had breakfast, lunch and a cocktail reception with open bar. Every dollar raised helps provide students with programs in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. japartners.org Western & Southern team: Elliot Van Dyke, Scott Beck, Charlie Clark and Tom Stanek
DRN Data/MV Trac/SCM: Michael Villanova, Nathan Indelicato, Sam VanScoyoc and Jason Nesbit
Team from Tito’s Handmade Vodka: Andrew Harlow, Amanda Kaczynski, Ross Sandefer, Carl D’Ambrose From JTM: Tim Kern Jr., Gregg Bedinghaus, Jason Herrmann and Tim Kern Sr.
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THE LAST WORD | Opinion by Polly Campbell
Corn, conformity and conservatives? These lazy stereotypes aren’t Cincinnati
B
ack in July, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval appeared on The Daily Show for an interview with Ronny Chieng. That was several months ago, and I’m still kind of mad about it. Chieng is one of the comedians on the show, and I generally think he’s funny. But he was trying to be funny and run a serious interview at the same time, and it got a little combative. The two pointed out they were two Asian guys on national television. But Chieng wasn’t at all interested in Pureval’s family immigration story. He had one question he wanted answered and got a bit frustrated that Pureval wasn’t answering it. “You’re not white, and you’re a Democratic Asian mayor in a super-red city. How did you do that, how did you get those white people to vote for you?”
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What the heck? Of course Pureval couldn’t answer that, because it’s a question based on a completely incorrect assumption. Cincinnati is bright blue, as Pureval was able to tell him. Also, duh, Cincinnati’s population is about 48% white. He also could have asked how he got all those Black people to vote for him. But Chieng was simply assuming that a city in the middle of the country must be racist enough to find an IndianTibetan mayor a bridge too far. I’m not saying there’s no racism here, but if you’re going by who’s been mayor, we have had several Black mayors starting in 1972. I don’t recall Pureval’s ethnicity ever being an overt issue. When Cincinnati doesn’t vote for Vivek
Ramaswamy in the upcoming governor’s race, it won’t be because of his ethnicity. I hope Chieng has been schooled on these points and remembers the interview with embarrassment. It should be embarrassing to conform so clearly to a stereotype: the East Coaster who has NO IDEA what the rest of the country is like. A quick Google search ought to be a prerequisite to an interview on national TV, even if you are a comedian. This relates to something else that has been bugging me. I notice in movies and TV shows that it’s enough to say a character is from Ohio to firmly fix them as a certain kind of person. Just Ohio. Not even one particular part of Ohio, as if Shaker Heights is the same as East Akron or Piketon or Norwood. If the movie isn’t actually set in Ohio, “I’m from Ohio” just means “I escaped the dreary white-bread conformity of my upbringing to live in New York or Los Angeles, because no one else in my home state has dreams.” What’s most amazing is when I’m in some other part of the country and tell people I’m from Cincinnati, they don’t even bother to hide their reactions. “Oh, I’m sorry,” they’ll say. Or “How can you live in a place like that?” Whatever. I’m actually kind of smug about Cincinnati. I know its worth, I know what it has and doesn’t have. It’s not the same as New York or Chicago. Why would it be? I have no need to try to convince anyone of our city’s charms. When an outsider celebrity or magazine pats us on the head for something, we don’t have to wag our tail (“Surprisingly nice,” said Chieng. “Clean. Super nice people. Clean.”) I always dragged my feet when I was at the Enquirer and was asked to write something about a national poll or magazine article that mentioned us positively.
Polly Campbell
Looking down on Cincinnati is a long-time tradition, but I think there’s something new that I feel a whiff of in these kinds of comments. It’s a reflection of the country’s political divisions, which have become, you may have noticed, sharper and a lot more mean. We don’t just understand that people are different around the country, we are encouraged to hate those other people. So no one is interested in nuance. It’s easier to think Ohio is a bunch of white people drinking six-packs after a long day of growing corn, and then dismiss and forget them. You can look at a map of how Ohio voted, and it’s either all red, or largely red because it’s based on the less-populated rural counties that take up the visual space. But there are people who voted both ways in every county in the state. I’m describing prejudice and stereotyping, and that’s nothing new, obviously. No one likes being judged on assumptions, no one wants to be denigrated for belonging to a category. I have some opinions about Cincinnati West Siders, say, or New York City Upper East Siders, or about Mississippi or Berkeley, California. I have laughed at jokes about the supposed differences between all those people. But if I met someone from Mississippi, I think I’d take some time to have a conversation before I committed to an opinion. I think I might be curious. 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
Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 6:00 to 11:00pm Beyond the yellow brick road, an evening full of immersive experiences, food, entertainment, and a little bit of magic awaits. Join us at Hard Rock Casino Event Center as we celebrate 10 years of Dining in the Dark and embark on an Oz-inspired adventure that supports CABVI's mission to empower people who are blind or visually impaired with opportunities to seek independence.
Tickets on sale now! Visit cincyblind.org/dining
Presented By:
cincinnati