Making Good

Santa isn’t the only one making deliveries this holiday season!

The Joe Burrow Foundation, in partnership with Kroger, delivered 300 food boxes to families in need in all of its service areas.

Joe Burrow Foundation board members and Kroger representatives delivered 100 boxes to Cincinnati families yesterday at North College Hill Elementary. The Foundation will also be delivering food boxes in Athens, OH and Baton Rouge, LA today.

Families were invited to receive a box full of products for a holiday meal that includes ham, potatoes, fresh vegetables and dessert. They also received a swag bag from the Joe Burrow Foundation!

Brightly Shining

In honor of Joe Burrow's birthday on Dec. 10, the Joe Burrow Foundation partnered with Kendra Scott jewelry on a special line and a special donation to the organization.

Robin Burrow, Joe’s mom and the secretary and treasurer of the Joe Burrow Foundation, designed three pieces for the event – Who Dey! and Geaux Tigers! necklaces and a #9 charm. The store donated 20% of all purchases through Dec. 10 to foundation.

Though the sales event is over, you can still donate to JBF at joeburrow.org.

Artfully Done

The Contemporary Arts Center held one of the most creative fundraisers in the city on Saturday, Nov. 23, During the evening, CAC welcomed over 400 guests and raised nearly $170,000 in support of its mission to be a lab for understanding ourselves, others, and the world around through the creation and experience of all contemporary art forms.

The event, Cuisine Art Cocktails, explored the interplay between the visual and culinary arts through a full-museum immersive experience and celebration of contemporary Cincinnati. More than 40 partners activated the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art with cuisine, art, and cocktail experiences, all to support Cincinnati’s home for contemporary art.

Photos: Shae Huth

Take Me to the River

Photos: Tasha Pinelo

Some 200 cruise experiences will be offered during America’s River Roots on

• Steamboat NATCHEZ from the port of New Orleans

• Belle of Louisville and the Mary M. Miller from the port of Louisville

• Celebration Belle from the port of Moline, Illinois

• Belle of Memphis from the port of Memphis

• Three Rivers Queen from the port of Pittsburgh

• Anson & Betsey Northrup from the port of Minneapolis/St. Paul

• Belle of Cincinnati and River Queen from the port of Cincinnati

Cruise options: brunch cruise, lunch cruise, dinner cruise, late-night cruise, Riverboat Race cruise, parade cruise, sight seeing cruise and family sight seeing cruise. Tickets for cruises are on sale now.

For information, visit www.americasriverroots.com.

America’s River Roots, a celebration of inland river cuisine, music and culture to kick off America’s 250th Anniversary, announced today the nine riverboats that will be featured in the event to be held along the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Covington and Newport from October 8–12, 2025.

At the event Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli Jr. issued good-natured challenges to the mayors of Louisville and Memphis to riverboat races. Captain Alan Bernstein of BB Riverboats explained to to everyone the grand history of shenanigans historically involved in riverboat races.

Mayors from river cities, including Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati of Moline, IL, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, Memphis Mayor Paul Young, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell have been invited to join in America’s celebration of river culture by participating in the River Expo Pavilion and identifying their best musicians to perform one of nine stages.

America’s River Roots has been endorsed as an official event of the Ohio 250 and Kentucky 250 Commissions to celebrate America’s 250th in 2026. Rob Portman is working with the U.S. America 250 Commission, established by Congress, to secure designation as a national signature event.

Additional programming will be announced throughout 2025 and will include: nationally-recognized and emerging artists who will perform on multiple stages on both sides of the river. A River Roots Gospel Revival and education programs will put a spotlight on The Freedom Journey, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. Culinary attractions will include celebrity chef presentations, bourbon and craft beer tastings, multicultural food vendors, and regional food artisans.

With Honor

The DAV 5K is an annual walk, run, roll, or ride to thank those who served, and to raise awareness of the issues our ill and injured veterans face every day. On Saturday, Nov. 9 More than 2,300 participated in the event.

Funds raised help Disabled American Veterans (DAV), headquartered in NKY, provide a lifetime of support to veterans. Downtown buildings will also be lighting up green for DAV in honor of Veterans Day.

In Fine Style

Photos: Tasha Pinelo

Dress for Success celebrated its 25th anniversary with an unforgettable event on Friday, Nov. 1 at Cincinnati Museum Center, raising more than $425,000 to support their mission of empowering women.

The program included a fashion show, silent auction, and raffle. Models, including DFS clients, wore ensembles from designer Gerardo Encinas and Donna Salyers’ Fabulous Furs. The evening’s emcee, Tierra Strickland, received the Mary Ivers Success Award. whose story of resilience perfectly captured the spirit of Dress for Success Cincinnati. Jackie Reau, a longtime supporter of DFS, was the honorary chair of the event.

Find out more about DFS Cincinnati and donate at dfscincy.org.

Lights Out

Did you BLINK?

Cincinnati played host to the the nation's largest immersive art and light show last weekend, as BLINK®, illuminated by ArtsWave stretched more than 30 blocks from Findlay Market to Newport and Covington.

BLINK 2024's impact is still being tabulated, but Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and partner organizations determined the 2022 BLINK festival attracted more than two million attendees across the four-day event, resulting in a direct economic impact of $126 million dollars. Additionally, the 2022 event directly supported or created 1,687 jobs, and generated $1.5 million dollars in direct artist commissions, honorariums, and art fees.

At the heart of its mission, BLINK continues to solidify the Cincinnati region as a hub of arts and culture, and the BLINK team made this possible by honoring the rich and diverse history of the city itself. Known for its collaborative spirit, BLINK paired awe-inspiring murals with projection mapping and lighting to create wholly engaging experiences.

Ready to Glow?

Click to download PDF map.

The best way to navigate is with a map, obviously.

This is especially true for BLINK. Spanning three cities this time out, you’ll need more than a route, you’ll need a plan.

Start you journey with the dynamic map at blinkcincinnati.com/map.

With the Experience Map you’ll be able to see exact locations within the footprint where light projections, newly painted murals, activations, live music performances, suggested walking routes, and key locations like drone viewing and hospitality areas can be found.

This map also includes interactive features that provide additional details about the art and artists. 

BLINK organizers have created walking trails within each zone to guide attendees in their travels. Each trail is less than 1.5 miles, and it’s recommended attendees try one or two per night to see key highlights of the festival if they do not have time to plan on their own.

If you’re looking for more detailed itineraries – and want to share those with friends – download the NEW ArtsWave app.

Not only is the app your guide for BLINK, it’s also your passport to the best in arts and entertainment in Cincinnati.

New app users can BLINK Insider with a $10 donation to ArtsWave.

The BLINK Insider is the best way to see what’s happening before and during the event, with insights from BLINK’s executive director, artist interviews, and sneak previews. The Insider also includes easy-to-use zone maps, itineraries for each day of the festival, and the music line-ups, all at the click of a button. Along with information about parking and finding restrooms, the BLINK Insider will offer real-time event updates from BLINK’s Command Central.

 Users who download the app through the end of BLINK will automatically be entered to win a stay at 21C Museum Hotel in the NightWatch Room. This exclusive experience includes dinner at the Metropole and two theater tickets.

The ArtsWave app is available now in the App Store or Google Play.

Picture Yourself

On the heels of being named a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival, Film Cincinnati now has even more to celebrate.

Next year, Cincinnati will be the host city for the Association of Film Commissions International (AFCI) Cineposium and the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2025. Cincinnati joins such cities as Bogota, Colombia, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Los Angeles who have served as hosts for the global event.

In light of unprecedented challenges in the industry, including strikes and production delays, Film Cincinnati has sought innovative ways to diversify the film industry’s economic impact. As a nonprofit economic development agency, Film Cincinnati’s mission is to create and cultivate the local industry ecosystem and develop a robust workforce.

“We believe it is crucial to explore all possibilities beyond traditional film," said Kristen Schlotman, president/CEO of Film Cincinnati. “What better way to show what our region has to offer than to bring the leaders of the global film industry to our area.”

With the AFCI's return to North America, Film Cincinnati will have the opportunity to showcase Cincinnati to a global audience. Following the successful bid, Cincinnati will host industry professionals from around the world in September 2025 for a conference and celebration. The conference will also be open to interested parties outside of the association.  

“We are honored to have the leading association of film commissions in the world coming to Cincinnati,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, meetNKY president and CEO. “Film Cincinnati has made our area a desired location to shoot movies and it is exciting to have the industry’s leading decision makers come see what we have to offer.”

Established in 1975, the AFCI is the only global non-profit professional organization representing city, state, regional, provincial, and national film commission members across six continents. AFCI champions advocacy, connectivity, and education, empowering film commissions and industry stakeholders to drive economic growth, build robust infrastructure, and advance professional development.

“As we mark AFCI’s 50th anniversary, we are energized to unite our global membership with industry powerhouses in Cincinnati for this milestone event,” said Jaclyn Philpott, AFCI executive director. “This celebration is not just about honoring our past, but about igniting new collaborations between film commissions and the industry at large.”

Well & Good

What should have been a fun weekend of food sampling, celebrity chef encounters, and workouts with world-class athletes was a wash-out. Though the Kroger Wellness Festival was cancelled due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, Kroger found a way to make to things brighter.

Kroger decided to give to those in need by donating products from the more than 200 vendors set to participate in the festival to local charities and hurricane relief efforts.

Matthew 25: Ministries is assisting organizers in coordinating the donations to the Southeast. See how you can help!

The Hole Story

Lydia Ko continued her impressive 2024 streak with her 22nd career victory on the LPGA Tour at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G on Sunday, Sept. 22 at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio.

Ko finished with a final round of -9 to finish -23, the lowest ever score at the Kroger Queen City Championship.

She began the day in second place, two strokes behind Jeeno Thitikul, who led the tournament for two rounds. Ko finished the back nine with four birdies and an eagle to pull away from Thitikul, who finished at -18.

The Queen City Championship also had on the future, presenting the 2024 Game Changers scholarships to 24 female students from each community that Kroger serves with a $2,000 scholarship.

Nidhi Patel, Game Changers Scholar, LPGA Player Amari Avery, and Sydney Breeze, Game Changers Scholar

The program, presented by The Kroger Foundation and Always® Brand, supports underrepresented women seeking degrees in business and liberal arts and is in its third year.

Nidhi Patel and Sydney Breeze. two of the scholarship recipients, took part in a putting clinic on Saturday hosted by LPGA player Amari Avery. Patel, from Batavia, is pursuing a finance degree at Xavier University, and Breeze, from Lexington, Ky., is studying exercise science at Asbury University where she also plays soccer.

“Through the Game Changers program, we are honored to have supported more than 400 women in pursuit of their academic and professional aspirations, including awarding nearly $100,000 to students since the scholarship program began,” said Kate Meyer, Kroger Health & Beauty Care vice president. “Together with P&G, we are so proud to empower these female scholars to pursue their dreams.”

Saturday was also Junior Day sponsored by Venus and Gillette. All children received free admission, plus a backpack, T-shirt, free Graeter's ice cream, free Skyline Chili coupon, and more.

Activities throughout the day include a Junior Clinic presented by Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports medicine at the Bounty Driving Range, where young golf fans can learn more about the game from LPGA player Aline Krauter.

Additionally, kids participated in a photo scavenger hunt, courtesy of First Tee, and the crowd favorite Secret Autograph Alley, where fans of all ages got selfies and autographs from LPGA players. In the Fan Zone, Crest and Oral-B's Smile 360 Station allowed fans to grab a 360-degree selfie to commemorate the day. Zevo also selected a Family of the Day to take home a gift basket of products, plus Queen City Championship merchandise.

Beauty on the Green was back for the second year with Pantene, Head & Shoulders and Herbal Essences providing free dry styling for kids and adults.

The “Pampers Family Center” was extremely popular to get kids out of the heat, complete with toys, a mom’s room and space for parents to take a break with their little ones.l.

“We are so proud to showcase how Cincinnati is a great place to work, live, raise a family, and enjoy world-class events like the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G,” said Pat Cady, P&G Sales senior vice president. “In our first three years, it's incredible to see how the impact of the Game Changers program has grown to empower women not only here in Cincinnati, but also across the country.”

According to tournament officials, more than 50,000 fans attended the tournament, with an economic impact of $14 million to the area. The tournament was broadcast globally on GOLF Channel with more than three billion media impressions from coverage earned over the four days.

“We are thrilled with the success of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G in its third year,” said Emily Norell, tournament director. “We could not put on this world-class event without the support of our corporate partners, our fans and our volunteers. We also want to congratulate Lydia Ko on her championship, and thank the staff at TPC River's Bend for welcming us to a true champiopnship course.”

Clutch Hitters

Great American Ball Park has definitely seen it’s share of Hall of Famers.

But on Monday evening, some of the greatest of all time were recognized for their accomplishments for their work off the field. At this year’s Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame induction ceremony, nine veteran Cincinnati sports journalists were celebrated by family, friends and colleagues in GABP’s Bally Sports Club.

The inductees, who have over three centuries of sports journalism experience in Cincinnati media.

Kevin Barnett

Ken Broo

Paul Daugherty

JohnFay

Dennis Janson

Wayne "Box" Miller

John Popovich

Betsy Ross

George Vogel

See videos of 2024 Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame inductees.

This year’s inductees were

• Kevin Barnett: WKRC-TV Executive Sports Producer

• Ken Broo: WKRC-TV, WLWT-TV & WCPO-TV sports anchor/reporter

• Paul Daugherty: Cincinnati Post and The Cincinnati Enquirer sports columnist and author

• John Fay: The Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Reds beat writer honored posthumously

• Dennis Janson: WKRC-TV & WCPO-TV sports anchor

• Wayne “Box” Miller: WLW Bengals Radio Network Pregame/Halftime/Postgame host, sports marketer, WDBZ Sports Director and DEI Director at St. Xavier High School

• John Popovich: WCPO-TV Sports Director

• Betsy Ross: Cincinnati’s first female sports reporter at WCPO plus work at WLWT-TV, WXIX-TV, ESPN & Game Day Communications Founder 

• George Vogel: WLWT-TV sports anchor/reporter

Equal parts roast and tribute, the inductees spoke to and about each other, noting the team work necessary to truly be the best, on the field and off.

Change for the Better

Kellanova and The Cincinnati/Dayton division of Kroger have teamed up to tackle the ongoing issue of hunger in the Cincinnati community, donating $20,000 to the Sam Hubbard Foundation.

“With millions of people in America not knowing where their next meal will come from, the need to help feed and fulfill continues,” said Molly Nichols, senior director – Kroger Sales, Kellanova. “Through our Kellanova Better Days Promise, we’re committed to feeding people in need, and we’re proud to partner with Kroger to support those facing hunger in our communities.”

Food insecurity exists in every county in the United States. According to Feeding America, in 2022 49 million Americans relied on hunger relief programs, such as food banks and pantries, to help feed their families.*

“Kroger is proud to team up with Kellanova to support the Sam Hubbard Foundation in our collective efforts to end hunger in the communities that we serve,” said Jenifer Moore, corporate affairs manager at Kroger. “This donation will help provide more resources to local students so that they can thrive this school year.” 

Hubbard’s Cupboards, originally launched as a pilot in five schools during the 2022-2023 school year, the program has experienced tremendous growth, expanding to twenty-one schools in 2025. In collaboration with Crayons to Computers, the program aims to provide underserved students with timely access to essential supplies and healthy snacks. Whether a student faces a mid-year backpack mishap or needs a nutritious snack to bridge the gap between lunch and extracurricular activities, our Cupboards ensure seamless support.

“This is a significant day for our Hubbard’s Cupboard program,” said Sam Hubbard. “As a student, I was fortunate never to worry about basic needs, thanks to the family I was born into. However, many of the students we serve aren’t as lucky. They face the harsh realities of going without food, hygiene items, or school supplies. With the support of Kellanova and Kroger, we're able to ease these burdens, allowing students and teachers to concentrate on learning and growth.”

Good Sports

Greater Cincinnati SPJ Journalism Hall of Fame 2024 Induction Dinner

Great American Ball Park
100 Joe Nuxhall Way

Monday, Sept. 16, 5:30 – 10 p.m.

6 p.m. – Excellence In Journalism Awards Program
7 p.m. – Buffet Dinner
8 p.m. – Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Tickets for the dinner and programs are $75. Reserve now.

Cincinnati is home to plenty of hall of famers.

In September, nine veteran Cincinnati sports journalists from print and broadcast media will join that list!

During a ceremony held in conjunction with the 2024 Excellence In Journalism awards, they will be inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Journalism Hall of Fame.

Both programs are sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ.) 

The inductees have over three centuries of sports journalism experience in Cincinnati media:

• Kevin Barnett: WKRC-TV Executive Sports Producer

• Ken Broo: WKRC-TV, WLWT-TV & WCPO-TV sports anchor/reporter

• Paul Daugherty: Cincinnati Post and The Cincinnati Enquirer sports columnist and author

• John Fay: The Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Reds beat writer honored posthumously

• Dennis Janson: WKRC-TV & WCPO-TV sports anchor

• Wayne “Box” Miller: WLW Bengals Radio Network Pregame/Halftime/Postgame host, sports marketer, WDBZ Sports Director and DEI Director at St. Xavier High School

• John Popovich: WCPO-TV Sports Director

• Betsy Ross: Cincinnati’s first female sports reporter at WCPO plus work at WLWT-TV, WXIX-TV, ESPN & Game Day Communications Founder 

• George Vogel: WLWT-TV sports anchor/reporter

Learn more about each honoree here.

Warm Welcome

Cincinnati’s hospitality industry just got a little bit more friendly!

This week, Visit Cincy held a celebration at Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled (LADD) for the most five recent graduates of the Dan Lincoln Institute for Hospitality Leadership (IHL).

The new grads participated in a 12-week program designed to prepare students for work in the Cincinnati region’s hospitality industry, including certification in the Cincy USA Tourism Ambassador Program. The IHL is an initiative to increase skilled and diverse talent in the hospitality sector. Though typically conducted in schools, this was the first partnership with LADD.

LADD provides and develop support services that help people develop their independence and live successfully in the community. Currently, LADD offers services to nearly 750 people through the supports it offers.

Good Call

The Bell Charitable Foundation just announced its latest grants, giving nearly $300,000 to 14 organizations.

This round of grants is focused on organizations driving Technology and Health & Wellbeing initiatives. The BCF also supports organizations driving Economic & Social Mobility and Environmental Sustainability initiatives.

Founded in 2022, altafiber launched The Bell Charitable Foundation to offer opportunities for nonprofit organizations to expand their programs and operations beyond what was previously possible in areas where altafiber and Hawaiian Telcom provide service.

Health and Wellbeing Pillar

Therapeutic Riding Institute

TRI provides therapeutic riding lesson programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, social, emotional and/or behavioral disabilities. TRI’s mission is to enhance lives by providing high quality and accredited equine assisted services in a safe, fun, and compassionate environment. We are proud to be the Dayton region's only Premier Accredited Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int’l), and your support enables us to keep lessons affordable and accessible to families with significant medical challenges. TRI’s students depend on us for a fun and fulfilling recreational experience, as well as the many physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive benefits of therapeutic riding. Our program and facilities are designed for students who need support and instruction that isn’t offered at traditional horseback riding centers. Our highly-credentialed Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs), specially-trained horses, and over 250 volunteers enable a safe and enriching experience for students. Despite growing research that supports the benefits of equine assisted services, access to horses is rarely afforded by those who are living below the line of poverty, including disparaged communities in the Dayton region. Furthermore, unlike a traditional riding lesson program, our CTRIs, specially trained therapy horses, and team of lesson volunteers ensure that those with disabilities have a safe and effective program to help them reach their potential and have an enriching and fulfilling experience. According to PATH Int’l, “Because horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength...Therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship contributes to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with disabilities.” Therapeutic riding can also be extremely beneficial for kids and teens with intellectual disabilities for social interaction and empathetic connection with the horses.

First Responder’s Bridge

The Bridge focuses on smashing the stigma and preventing suicide by providing confidential, expense free, three-day retreats for first responders and their significant other struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation resulting from the things they see and hear on the job. It's a tragic fact that in the United States, more first responders are dying by suicide than line of duty deaths. The Bridge offers four annual retreats serving 1400 people, an annual follow up retreat for all past attendees, and six free post-retreat counseling sessions. The Bridge pays for all lodging, meals, and programming. For 72-hours, attendees work closely with some of the nation's top peer support presenters and culturally competent clinicians to receive information on trauma recovery treatment options, resources, and services. Attendees also attend clinician led breakout sessions where they begin to build a support network. The Bridge retreats fill up mostly by word of mouth and we currently have a five-month waiting list. To date, the Bridge has served more than 14-hundred first responders from 38 states. The First Responders' Bridge is saving the lives of those who save lives.

Adult Friends for Youth

Adult Friends for Youth’s Re-directional Therapy Counseling Program creates safer schools and communities in Oahu, Hawaii for all residents. AFY provides Re-directional Therapy counseling services to the highest-risk youth who engage in violent and destructive behaviors and are at risk for academic failure and gang involvement. Group and individual counseling services are provided on school campuses during school time in partnership with the State of Hawaii Department of Education, as well as in the community during out-of-school time. Youth come from low-income and historically marginalized communities that are ripe with violence, drugs, and criminal activity. As long-term behavioral change takes time, AFY works with youth for an average of 3-4 years. Over that period, counseling activities (i.e., discussions, role plays, experiential learning opportunities) help to transform target youths' behaviors from destructive to constructive and provide them with tools and skills that help them to succeed in mainstream society. Through changing the mindset and behavior of the most violent youth on Oahu, AFY helps bring peace into all communities. We have worked with over 90 gangs and over 2,000 gang members. Of those 90 gangs, 70 have dissolved or are no longer recruiting.

Your Store of the Queen City

Your Store of the Queen City was founded by neighbors when Cincinnati's neighborhood of Lower Price Hill became a food desert in 2017. From there, neighbors leveraged their planning to open Meiser's Fresh Grocery & Deli, which engages in workforce development to create jobs and train neighbors through operating the food social enterprise and deli that offer with subsidized prices and nutrition discount programs to provide affordable fresh food shopping alongside several free entrepreneurship, emergency hunger relief and nutrition education programs. The free community wellbeing programs also include Lower Price Hill Farmers & Makers Market, which, combined provide daily access to free groceries and meals, free hot food for unhoused neighbors, free household items, free frozen pan meals and pints of soup, and unlimited free produce. Meiser's is proud to be the only emergency food location open in Cincinnati with hot meals and groceries 6-days per week available to shoppers from anywhere in the Greater Cincinnati area. At the end of 2023 there were 1,618 neighbors signed up for Meiser's Green Giveaways Program, TRIPLE the 500 members the year before. $481,619 were saved in shopper discounts, free meals, and reduced travel in 2023 amounting to 142,138 servings of produce distributed through sales, Produce Perks, and giveaways; exponentially increased from the 38,254 servings distributed in 2022. The model of Meiser's is now being shared on not just a local and regional level, but has seen an international platform through presentations designed with our research partners to help communities envision a sustainable future where communities receive economic and career opportunities to build programs where good food reaches the people who need it most, improving health outcomes, instead of being wasted and contributing to climate change.

1N5

1N5's mission is to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and promoting optimal mental wellness. If awarded, this funding would be used in schools K-12 with a focus on schools with marginalized student populations. 1N5's school program, Building Resilience in Youth (BRiY), is designed to meet the needs of the youth mental health crisis and build safeguards around students in need. These safeguards reduce or erase the stigmas that surround mental illness, normalize conversations surrounding it, and help drive those in need toward services much sooner, resulting in better outcomes. It's a multi-faceted approach to mental health education and suicide prevention that involves students, teachers, school staff, and parents/caregivers. We create customized solutions using evidence-based programs for each school's unique mental health needs. By 2031 provide mental health resources to all Greater Cincinnati high schools. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth, and 20% of youth ages 13-18 are living with a mental health condition. Fifty percent of mental illness originates before the age of 14, and 75% appears before the age of 24. More than 37 percent of students with a mental health condition age 14 and older drop out of school--the highest dropout rate of any disability group. The average length of time for a person living with a mental health condition is 8-10 years before they start receiving treatment.

Joseph House

Joseph House offers a holistic inpatient and outpatient program for veterans struggling with substance abuse. The program includes individual and group therapy, relapse prevention techniques, life skills development, and peer support. They are scheduled to move into their new site in Camp Washington as part of an intentional effort to transform the way Joseph House engages with its veteran clients into one that is more home-like, individualized, and healthier. Funds are needed to add additional hours of therapy and clinical supervision to ensure residents can take advantage of the new site and rebuild healthy lives for them and their families. Joseph House is the only veteran-led behavioral health organization in our region. Over the past two decades, veterans and military families have been exposed to the stress of multiple deployments, combat exposure and a variety of visible and not-so-visible injuries. Through the work of Joseph House and other veteran-serving groups, military and veteran families are better equipped to support our veterans to maintain healthy and sober lives. We strive to include all who have served, regardless of background, ability, or gender. New therapeutic services and clinical supervision are needed as treatment for the new clients may require gender specific needs regarding sexual harassment and military sexual trauma. This request will provide an additional .5 FTE and leverage the diverse experience of Joseph House's clinical staff to identify these specific needs and coordinate with the local VAMC and partner agencies to address these needs as part of their co-occurring diagnosis and treatment needs. Grant funds will be used to strengthen our therapeutic program to take full advantage of the new site. With the expansion provided by our new facility's four distinct wings and private rooms, Joseph House will be able to offer safe and supportive services specifically tailored to female veterans for the first time.

Cincinnati Cancer Advisors

The Cincinnati Cancer Advisors (CCA) is a consultative oncology practice that provides second opinions, genetic counseling, and financial navigation services to more than 400 Cincinnati cancer patients each year. The days following a cancer diagnosis can stir feelings of uncertainty, urgency, and apprehension. To aid, CCA provides a free second opinion for those needing cancer care, so that they walk away with a thorough understanding of their diagnosis and confidence in their plan of care. CCA does not charge patients, private insurance companies or Medicare/Medicaid for the services it provides. A comprehensive case review, physical examination and written second opinion (after consulting with other oncology experts around the U.S. and globally) is provided free of charge to cancer patients. CCA ensures that anyone who needs a second opinion can access an independent, objective opinion of the highest quality.

Technology pillar:

Found Village

Young people involved with the child welfare system experience a technology access gap in multiple forms. To ensure young people's safety, the system often prevents those ages 12 to 17 who live in protective custody from accessing personal devices with cellular data or utilizing standard social media outlets. This lack of access prevents young people from developing safe online habits, restricts their access to information about post-secondary opportunities, and keeps them from developing digital literacy as a skill for the 21st century marketplace. Found Village's work creates the right conditions for young people to thrive. While the organization has created safe in-person environments for growth since 2018, the Found Village team has recently learned from young people that they do not have access to safe digital spaces and want more connection to our community. The proposed suite of digital resources will ensure that young people involved with child welfare have safe access to online opportunities which prepare them to thrive in adulthood. To promote digital equity for young people involved with child welfare in Hamilton County, Ohio, Found Village will implement a suite of digital resources including a safe social media platform, device library, and a digital education series beginning in April 2024. The Bell Charitable Foundation grant will support ongoing content development for the Found Village Online social media platform during its first year of operation, connecting 80 young people to a digital community where they can readily communicate with safe adult coaches, learn about upcoming community events, and develop digital literacy for life.

Partnership for Innovation in Education

This immersive workforce and in-classroom learning program will develop the first-ever Formula 1 Electric Vehicle (EV) Youth Lab reaching 500 Cincinnati Public School Students at the Aiken New Tech HS Engineering Lab with scalability to all SW Ohio School Districts. In-classroom skills credentialing will prepare students for Electric Vehicle Automotive Technician, Electric Battery Charging Station Operator & Adv. Manuf. Operator occupations. Students will build a Formula 1 Electric Engine prototype with the Ohio State University (OSU) Automotive & University of Cincinnati (UC) Smart Mobility Engineering Teams piloting the Electric Vehicle (EV) Immersive Design & Sustainability Tool Kit with PIE, DriveOhio, Honda, OH Manufacturer's Association & The PAST Foundation. This responds to an urgent call by OH Governor DeWine asking for an increased focus on emerging, in-demand careers for OH K-12 students. These efforts to build “hands on” programming increases the number of diverse students proficient in emerging career pathway skills providing high paying jobs. Having been coined the “Silicon Heartland,” Ohio is becoming a magnet for EV innovation, product development and manufacturing growth, with massive expansions and new advanced manufacturing sites. OWT forecasts 25K jobs will be available for Ohio's workforce requiring unique skill set credentialing to support EV development spanning aerospace, manufacturing, automotive & advanced mobility. Ohio is facing a critical shortage of skilled trade’s workers, due to an aging workforce & limited awareness in all trades. According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, 7K new electricians join the industry each year, but 10K retire from it. This scalable program allows underserved students to become prequalified for in-demand & high paying EV jobs. The Formula 1 program at Aiken New Tech HS will commence in Fall 2024, after supplies, training and curriculum have been obtained. Inside the Engineering Lab, students will experience OH-EV skills credentialing and qualify for in-demand Electric Vehicle, Advanced Manufacturing & EV Battery, Design and Sustainability jobs.

PCs for People Ohio

In partnership with the Avondale Development Corporation and Uptown Consortium, PCs for People proposes to offer a series of six basic computer skills workshops, targeted to primarily older adult residents of the Avondale neighborhood (approximately 18 participants per workshop, for a total of 108 residents served). Workshop participants would have the opportunity to take home the laptop computer that they use during the workshop, allowing them to build on the foundations of digital literacy developed during the training to continue advancing their skills. The digital inclusion study conducted in Avondale in 2022 found that 16% of Avondale residents did not have access to a personal computer (compared to 11% in Cincinnati overall). According to the study, "Avondale residents highly value digital access. They specifically cited the importance of digital access for: employment opportunities, entertainment and social connections, financial transactions, social services, health information, medical support, and virtual learning." The study also identified older adults as a group facing particular barriers to developing digital skills, noting that "additional resources and supports" are needed. Through this program, both the need for and community interest in ongoing digital skills training was evident, but what was lacking was a way for residents to learn and continue developing digital skills on a personal computer. In this project, ADC will host and publicize the workshops building on the success of the previous project, and PCs for People staff will present the workshops on basic computer skills topics, while providing participants with low incomes with a personal computer to keep, at no cost, at the conclusion of the workshop. PCs for People provides remote tech support and a one year warranty with every device. In partnership with the Avondale Development Corporation, PCs for People will conduct six basic computer skills workshops at the Avondale Business Center. Each workshop will reach an estimated 18 residents, for a total of 108 residents served.

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of HI

Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC) will use the funding to expand and develop its access to technology, assistive technology (AT) equipment, and services for children and youth with disabilities statewide, especially those who live in the underserved areas to enable people to live healthy, productive, independent, dignified lives and fully participate in school, work, and the community that aligns with the agency's mission to link individuals with disabilities of all ages with technology and AT regardless of their financial and social standing to enhance their quality of life. As the Federal and State designated Tech Act program, for nearly 30 years, our organization has been the sole leader in promoting technology and AT through our services and programs. Our primary role is as a resource center to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities of all ages, including those who have paralysis with a severe condition such as Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury, and Trauma Brain injury. Having a disability is very challenging and shouldn't mean being excluded. ATRC staff is well aware that children with disabilities often find themselves isolated and lonely, and technology with internet /broadband has played a crucial role in improving access to education for children/youth with disabilities. Camp Cool - Cyber Edition provides educational opportunities and access to technology in an interactive and engaging learning environment for children and youth with disabilities, including those with paralysis, regardless of their financial situation and social standing, so they can live more independently, improve their mental, physical and emotional health as well as have better quality of life. Camp Cool was developed in 2007 to promote and improve access to technology and AT devices for children with disabilities statewide through education, facilitate communication and socialization, and hands-on experience with different technology and AT equipment. The program also allows volunteers and students studying special education and occupational therapy to apply their knowledge and skills into practice.

Per Scholas

Funding will support IT training, professional development instruction, and connecting employment opportunities to learners, and two years of support after program completion. Per Scholas prepares learners with skills in-demand in the job market and expands access to technology by teaching technology skills and professional development, tailored to business needs, to highly motivated learners. Current courses offer certifications in highly desirable skills, including IT Support, Network Infrastructure, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and AWS. Per Scholas is committed to building a more diverse technical workforce by creating educational onramps for groups staggeringly underrepresented in the tech sector, including women, people of color, young adults, and veterans. Per Scholas has enrolled nearly 800 individuals in Greater Cincinnati since its 2013 launch. Thirty-three percent of our learners are women and 64% people of color. Based on historical results, we anticipate the following outcomes: - 85% of Per Scholas learners graduate from training - 80% of graduates obtain one or more relevant industry-recognized IT certifications - 80% of graduates gain employment with starting wages averaging about $20 per hour Per Scholas tracks learner data for up to two years post-graduation. We work to assist all learners in securing employment, with 80% of graduates landing jobs within one year, 90% of which are in the technology sector. Per Scholas’ model is one of the only tech workforce development models nationally recognized, whose most recent multi-year MDRC Work Advance study concluded that for every $1 spent on Per Scholas training, $8 is returned to the local economy. With the Bell Charitable Foundation's support, Per Scholas Greater Cincinnati will enroll more than 185 learners during the grant period. Of enrolled learners, 157 (85%) will graduate, and within a year of graduation, at least 125 (80% of graduates) will attain positions, with average wages of at least $21/hour, or $43,000 annually.

Avondale Development Corporation

Communication is key to growing any community. We will establish a part time position for a “Public WiFi Community Coordinator,” or PWCC, who will coordinate the efforts of stakeholders to use the WiFi engagement platform to improve social determinants of health, education, and economic development in Avondale. The public WiFi being deployed in 9 of The Community Builder owned multi-dwelling complexes and 6 outdoor locations along Reading Road in Avondale will provide free internet service to thousands of residents and visitors. The UniCity software utilized in this system captures information from users including their email addresses and provides a mechanism that stakeholders can use to engage users with email messages. The PWCC will coordinate with stakeholders such as health care providers, the African American Chamber, the Urban League, and others to use the platform to engage and inform WiFi users of programs and events that will improve health care, drive economic development, and present educational opportunities in Avondale. Without a PWCC, public WiFi implementation delivers internet services to those in need, but through better coordination, a PWCC can take the public WiFi to a much higher level of community engagement and improvement, by connecting residents to much needed services and resources.

Hawaii Science and Technology Museum

A museum that brings exhibits directly to the students to inspire and spark an interest in STEM. HSTM serves the Hawaii Island community through our various outreach programs such as Science Camps, math tutoring, after school programs, student research support, robotics competitions, and special events. ​The KKBCRC provides hands-on activities in the engineering design process, coding, CAD, 3D printing and other fabrication, electronics and physics activities, in a fun and engaging way building long lasting relationships with the students that participate.​ Robotics center has served 5,534 kids over the last year with nearly 30,000 visitors to date.

Mind Games

It’s Beatles summer in Cincinnati.

First their was successful run of “Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio” at Cincinnati Opera, and now Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is part of the John Lennon Memorabilia Treasure Hunt.

The John Lennon Estate and Hard Rock are celebrating incredible artifacts from Lennon’s work that are on display at both Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and locations around the world. Through the treasure hunt, visitors can learn more about Lennon’s collaborative music-making process, his peace-making ideals, and much more.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
1000 Broadway
casino.hardrock.com/cincinnati

• Citizens of Nutopia receive 20% off food and nonalcoholic beverages

• Citizens of Nutopia receive 20% off Rock Shop® merchandise

“Preserving music history is what enriches the Hard Rock travel, dining and gaming experience. We are honored to display priceless pieces from John Lennon’s musical and inspirational legacy,” says Giovanni Taliaferro, vice president of memorabilia and design at Hard Rock International. “We have the utmost gratitude to the John Lennon Estate and Universal Music Group for inviting us to participate in this amazing venture. We hope that by learning from Hard Rock’s memorabilia collection, John’s biggest fans can imagine how his artistry and ideals still endure today.”

The treasure hunt is timed with the launch of John and Yoko’s new social website citizenofnutopia.com, a map of the world where fans can sign up, leave peaceful messages, enjoy “Meditation Affirmations” and express their gratitude and admiration for the couple’s core principles of Peace, Love and Truth.

Nutopia is an imaginary country created by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1973, promoting the ideas of Peace and Love made famous by John’s songs ‘Imagine’ and ‘Mind Games’.

Citizens of Nutopia can earn points and rewards in the Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program when they visit participating Hard Rock Cafes, Casinos and Hotels to discover precious John Lennon memorabilia tagged with QR codes that when scanned, provide more stories about the artifacts and points on the website.

Save the Day

That sound you hear is cash register ringing up just a little bit less money, at least through Aug. 8.

The Ohio annual sales tax holiday is currently in effect, with even more purchases eligible this year. During this timeframe, customer pay no sales tax on back-to-school items and other purchases.

Ohio sets aside at least three days each year – including the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August –for consumers to buy certain items. The sales tax holiday is designed to help people buy clothing, supplies, and items needed for the upcoming school year.

This year, the expansion from a weekend to 10 days offers more chances for even more people to save money while getting ready for school or college.

The sales tax holiday includes “all tangible personal property that is $500 or less” except watercraft or outboard motor and motor vehicles. Sadly for teachers heading back to school, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vapor products, or items that contains marijuana are not part of the exemption. Food is included in the exemption this year. (If you want to check if something is covered, please refer to the FAQ on the Ohio Department of Taxation website.)

Though cars aren’t part of the tax holiday exemption, some car parts are. At Tire Discounters, you can purchase a set of tires without paying any sales tax.

During this 10-day window, you will also pay zero state and local sales tax on automotive parts including:

• Wheels

• Oil & Other Fluids

• Brakes

• Auto Glass

• Wiper Blades

• Filters

• Belts

• Hoses

This year, the expanded holiday includes a new category – restaurant meals.  Dine-in meals are included in the tax exemption. You can take those new, tax-free tires for a spin to Moerlein Lager House, where you can enjoy tax-free dining (but not alcohol, please see above) during the sales-tax holiday.

Here We Go

Fantasia

Photo: Shae Huth

Ne-Yo

Photo: Shae Huth

October London

Photo: Shae Huth

Original Lakeside

Photo: Shae Huth

Stokely

Photo: Shae Huth

KEM

Photo: Shae Huth

Coco Jones

Photo: Shae Huth

En Vogue

Photo: Shae Huth

New Edition

Photo: Shae Huth

Cincinnati was electrified this past weekend as the Cincinnati Music Festival, presented by P&G, brought the city into the national spotlight. With extensive national media coverage, including The Rickey Smiley Morning Show broadcasting live from Fountain Square to over 60 U.S. radio stations, and more than 65 media professionals covering the events, Cincinnati shone brightly. According to Visit Cincy, hotels reached an impressive 87% occupancy rate, maintaining the festival's status as one of the region's largest annual tourism drivers.

“The 2024 Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G was an amazing celebration and a tribute to many R&B music legends with more than 84,000 fans this year,” said Joe Santangelo, producer of the festival. “It was great to see so many fans travel to Cincinnati for the weekend to support the local tourism community.”

As one of the largest urban music festivals in the United States, CMF featured unforgettable live performances. MC Lyte ignited the stage on Thursday night at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center, followed by stellar acts like Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Fantasia, New Edition, En Vogue, and more at Paycor Stadium.

"At P&G, supporting events like CMF is one way we bring to life our commitment to being a great corporate citizen. It’s more than a responsibility; it’s an opportunity to make our community more vibrant, more diverse, more connected, and more attractive," said Damon Jones, P&G Chief Communications Officer.

In addition to sponsoring the event, P&G enhanced the festival experience by bringing 14 of its brands to the venue. Attendees enjoyed free product samples, engaging photo moments, surprise giveaways, and live entertainment.

The weekend also featured signature activities such as the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, Vibe Market Place, CMF Outdoor Museum, Black Men Think Tank, and Festival 513.

The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday, July 26, with the induction of the 2024 Class: Roger Troutman & Zapp, Shirley Murdock, Randy Crawford, and Donald Lawrence. In just one year, nearly 30,000 visitors have experienced this vibrant new attraction

“The Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend is a celebration of our city’s soul,” said Julie Calvert, President and CEO of Visit Cincy. “More than entertaining audiences, the festival cultivates unity and happiness within our community, promoting cultural richness and economic prosperity. This past weekend, and all of the community activities, including Black Music Walk of Fame, that support it and visitors, truly embodies Cincinnati's rich heritage and its ability to shine as a premier global destination.”

Official sponsors of the Cincinnati Music Festival are P&G, Visit Cincy/Meet NKY, AARP, Life Center, Experience Columbus and Central State University.

The Cincinnati Music Festival will return in 2025 from July 31, August 1 and 2. The full lineup of performances will be announced at a later date.

Depth of Field

You probably saw that Cincinnati is a finalist to host the Sundance Film Festival beginning in 2027. And you thought that was amazing, but what could you possibly do to help?

Now’s your chance! Film Cincinnati – and frankly the whole region – wants to show Sundance we mean business! You can sign an online pledge showing their support of Sundance at www.filmcincinnati.com/sundancecincinnati.

Written and performed by Laurent Che; Produced by Lightborne; Filmed at Memorial Hall.