Generosity of Spirit

The entire region was saddened by the devastating and deadly tornadoes that tore through the Midwest last weekend.

As people searched for a way to help, the Jeff Ruby family stepped in, leading by example by making a substantial donation to the Western Kentucky Relief Fund via the LEE Initiative.

how to help

Donate now to the Western KY Disaster Relief Fund.

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The LEE Initiative, the Louisville-based hospitality nonprofit, launched the Western KY Disaster Relief Fund to bring meals and water to those affected by the storms.

“We were devastated by the news of the lives lost and destruction throughout Kentucky and neighboring states and knew we had to do something to help,” said Jeff Ruby, founder of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment. “With two restaurants in Kentucky, we trust and respect the mission of The LEE Initiative. We immediately called Edward and Lindsey to offer our support and thank them for everything they do to support our communities. We hope other companies, organizations and individuals who can make a contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund will consider doing so as the need is urgent.”

This week, officials from The LEE Initiative announced a major gift of $100,000 to the Western Kentucky Disaster Relief Fund from Jeff Ruby, the restaurateur with steakhouses in Lexington, Louisville and Nashville along with Cincinnati and Columbus.

“The Jeff Ruby family has always been quick to help our Kentucky communities at every turn, from our initiatives during the pandemic to helping small farmers and now to the victims of the tornado disaster,” said Chef Edward Lee, co-founder, creative director and mentor of The LEE Initiative, who mission is to bring more equality and diversity in the restaurant industry. “We are grateful for their partnership.

A Grateful Nation

In the aftermath of WWI, millions of Americans returned home to restart their lives during an uncertain and turbulent time. But for the more than 200,000 wounded during the war, that transition back home was even more difficult.

Former Cincinnati Judge Robert S. Marx saw that the nation was ill-equipped to provide the medical care and services the injured and ill returning war veterans needed and had earned. Recognizing the need to address the issues facing his fellow veterans, Marx, a U.S. Army captain who had received the Distinguished Service Cross, teamed with other veterans in the Cincinnati area to create The Disabled American Veterans of the World War, which is now DAV—Disabled American Veterans.

For the past century, DAV has served veterans as they make the critical transition from military service to civilian life. Today, with a century of service and support under our belts and more than 1 million members in our ranks, DAV continues the fight to make medical care, employment, education and other earned benefits accessible to America’s 4 million disabled veterans.

You can show your support and gratitude to DAV by buying tickets and attending their Centennial Celebration with the Cincinnati Pops at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Cincinnati Music Hall.

Led by Maestro John Morris Russell, the Pops performance will feature a dozen musical tributes telling the story and milestones of military history from World War I through modern service. The West Point Glee Club and “American Idol” star Melinda Doolittle will also perform with the orchestra. 

This event will celebrate this special milestone in DAV’s history and honor the millions of brave men and women they have helped to live with respect and dignity after being injured while serving our country.  Founded in Cincinnati in the aftermath of World War I, DAV has assisted veterans of all generations and their families in the ensuing century.

All proceeds benefit DAV. Tickets available now!

Each year, DAV provides more than 240,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with well over 160,000 benefit claims. In 2020, DAV helped veterans receive more than $23 billion in earned benefits.  DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, providing resources and hosting job fairs. These services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.

Just as we are thankful for the service of all of our veterans, we are grateful to DAV for empowering our nation’s heroes and their families by providing the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them through their nearly 1,300 chapters and more than 1 million members across the country.

Just Ducky

In the 1990s, Freestore Foodbank was looking for a new way to raise money. A board member at that time, Bob Edwards, had a quacky idea for a fundraiser. What began as a lark has gone on to become the organization signature event. 

That first Rubber Duck Regatta involved 18,000 ducks and raised $69,000 for Freestore. On Sunday, more than 200,000 rubber ducks will swim to solve hunger in the 27th annual Rubber Duck Regatta presented by Dawn. More importantly, the event has raised over a million dollars a year for the last seven years.

Those funds, and additional support throughout the year, allow Freestore Foodbank to improve lives by eliminating hunger in partnership with the community. With one in seven people in the TriState at risk of hunger, Freestore is dedicated to addressing the need, providing 37.7 million meals each year in 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

The community is grateful for the work Freestore does throughout the year – distributing meals to low-income individuals and families; supporting area food kitchens, homeless shelters, emergency food pantries, social service centers and program sites; and providing an array of services (emergency clothing, housing services, SNAP assistance, Medicaid outreach and others) as needed.

Freestore Foodbank’s mission is to improve lives by eliminating hunger in partnership with our community, and our vision is to create a hunger-free, healthy, and thriving community. To achieve this vision, our objectives are to provide nutritious food, connect to support services and offering a pathway from crisis to stability.

While it’s too late to buy a duck, it’s not too late to support Freestore Foodbank and the work they do in our community.

Welcome Back

In 2019, the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomed almost 27 million visitors to the region. The travel and tourism industry traditionally has been a $5.3 billion industry, employing more than 80,000 people in Cincinnati USA.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the local hospitality industry especially hard, with our usually vibrant hotels, restaurants, and attractions sitting idle.

But in keeping with the axiom “Cincinnati invented hustle,” Julie Calvert, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA CVB got to work. 

Attractions, hotels and venues in the Cincinnati region have been implementing stringent safety protocols to keep visitors and staff safe. The teams at the Cincinnati USA and Northern Kentucky CVBs, are developing a number of contingency plans to restart the tourism industry.  

We’re grateful for the grit and determination of the region’s hospitality leaders who work hard to create jobs for residents, a thriving economy for our businesses, and a safe, welcoming, and delightful world-class destination for visitors. 

Both Travel & Leisure and Forbes have picked Cincinnati as a top destination for 2021, and thanks to Julie, the hospitality and tourism industry in the Cincinnati region is ready to restart now and restart safely.

She shares her thoughts on what’s next for the region as we all look forward to better days ahead.

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Thank you, Cincinnati Music Festival

With the current state of the pandemic, the organizers of the Cincinnati Music Festival decided it was best to postpone the festival until July of 2022. But for Joe Santangelo, who has worked as the festival’s promoter since it began in 1962 as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival, the safety and well-being of his guests and artists are his primary concern. CMF really is a family affair to Santangelo, as his daughter Fran Santangelo DiBattista, is the festival’s director of marketing.

Not only does CMF bring incredible music to Cincinnati—recent headliners have included Frankie Beverly, Ohio Players, Fantasia, Mary J. Blige and Usher—but a recent study conducted by the UC Economics Center and commissioned by the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau shows the Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G provides a $107.5 million economic impact to the region, making it the largest annual driver of tourism in the tristate.

Though the in-person festival won’t happen this year, organizers are offering a virtual event in July, to celebrate the heritage of the Cincinnati Music Festival with historic footage of performances dating back more than 50 years.

Santangelo and the festival organizers are already working to confirm the 2021 acts for next year, including multi-talented singer-songwriter Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson, ensuring this Cincinnati music heritage event continues for years to come.

Thank you, YWCA Career Women of Achievement

Eight Cincinnati-area women have been selected as 2021 YWCA Greater Cincinnati Career Women of Achievement, outstanding role models for their leadership, vision, community service and renowned professional success that also embraces the mission of the YWCA.

Due to COVID-19, the women will be profiled and honored in a special television and streaming broadcast on April 22, 7 p.m. via WCPO 9, rather than at the usual annual luncheon. The event continues to be the single largest fundraiser for YWCA Greater Cincinnati, founded in 1868. Proceeds directly support YWCA programs and initiatives focused on empowering women and eliminating racism. Last year YWCA Greater Cincinnati faced unforeseen financial obstacles as it transferred domestic violence shelter residents to motels in order to halt the transmission of COVID-19. 

“The YWCA and those they recognize have always been catalysts for change,” says Career Women of Achievement Co-Chair Stacey Browning, managing director of digital portfolio for CincyTech.  “Today it’s all the more important and possible for leaders to take action now and leverage the mission of the YWCA to progress empowering women and eliminating racism.”

Browning is leading the Career Women of Achievement effort with Co-Chair Cathy Bernardino Bailey, director, Greater Cincinnati Water Works. Both are past Career Women of Achievement honorees. Bailey believes, “Now more than ever, we need consistent leaders like the YWCA to lead the way for the Greater Cincinnati community.  For 153 years, this agency has answered the call to serve the most vulnerable in our community.  This television and streaming broadcast event and fundraiser honoring these amazing women demonstrates that the time is now for you, me and many others to support the YWCA as it drives the change that must happen.”

The pair recently announced the eight recipients of the prestigious Career Women of Achievement who will be profiled during the April broadcast.

The 2021 Career Women of Achievement honorees are:

Giovanna Alvarez, Director, Su Casa Hispanic Center

Giovanna is a champion for diversity, inclusion, social justice, and human rights as director of Su Casa Hispanic Center. The organization develops and implements programs serving the needs of Hispanic/Latino and other vulnerable international populations. Over 5,000 individuals are served annually through emergency assistance, case management, family reunification, education, and health promotion efforts. Giovanna’s team of 15 employees and up to 120 active volunteers monthly, ensure that the most vulnerable of our region have access to medical, social services, legal representation, educational support, and obtain assistance navigating the different complexities of the American systems.

 Originally an attorney from Trujillo, Peru, Giovanna began working in various positions in Florida and then Ohio where her work spanned advocating for immigrants, and migrant farm workers to ensuring the Hispanic/Latino community had supporting services, translation at different court proceedings, educational opportunities, and assistance obtaining basic needs resources.

 Under Giovanna's leadership, Su Casa has garnered many awards including the Marian and Donald Spencer Award from the Cincinnatus Association, the Bridge Builder Award from Community Action, Sister Dorothy Stang Award from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Missions Office and the LULAC Cincinnati Hispanic Institution of the Year Award.

She says, “As professional immigrant women encounter different challenges within different structures regionally. Some people will judge us for the way we speak; some may discount our education, professional experience, and demonstrated accomplishments. We should not be dismayed. We should be resilient, persevere, and remember where we came from and how far we have walked. We need to remember that we are making a path for the ones that come behind us, and continue advocating for inclusion and equal opportunities for all not only in our region, but also globally”.

Achievements

• Social Ventures Partner SVP – Fast Pitch People’s Choice Award Winner 2014

• State of Ohio Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan (Governor’s Award), Commission for Hispanic Latino Affairs 2012

• NASHMBA National Brillante Award for Excellence in Community Service 2012

• Outstanding Service Award, Center for Clinical and Transitional Science and Training, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital 2011

Vanessa Freytag, President and CEO, 4C for Children

Whether working in the for-profit or non-profit sectors, Vanessa has made extraordinary strides advancing the value of women and families in the region. As one of the area’s first female banking senior vice presidents, Vanessa’s internal advocacy led to her appointment as Chase Bank’s inaugural National Director of Women’s Initiative.  Her objective: to address the gap in access to credit and capital experienced by woman-owned businesses. This work further fueled her passion and entrepreneurial spirit to found W-Insight, Inc., a company that worked with national financial institutions to improve their reach to woman consumers and business owners. She trained over 3,000 financial professionals.

Vanessa knew there were more unchartered areas to conquer as she co-founded Women’s Business Cincinnati, the area’s first publication devoted solely to professional women’s accomplishments. Though she had not studied journalism, the paper reached a remarkable readership of 15,000 its second year, earning her the U.S. Small Business Administration Award as the Midwest Small Business Journalist of the Year.  

She could have remained in the for-profit world, but her calling was strong. Vanessa became the first executive director of the Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, a role that enabled her to lead research in the areas relevant to women’s development and economic success. Her current role followed. She heads a staff of 100 in three offices in 15 Ohio counties as leader of 4C for Children. Her impact is considerable, bringing childcare providers from just 21% meeting vigorous state requirements to a current 96%.

Achievements

• First National Director of Women’s Initiative, Chase Bank

• One of eight founders of the Cincinnati Women’s Executive Forum

• Board Chair, Hamilton County Human Services Chamber 2019-present

• Co-founder, the first Cincinnati business publication solely dedicated to women’s business accomplishments

• Nonprofit CEO of the Year Finalist 2019

• U.S. Small Business Administration Midwest Small Business Journalist of the Year 2006

• YWCA Rising Star 2004

Whitney B. Gaskins, Ph.D., Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science

Trailblazer, mentor, motivator and visionary.  Dr. Gaskins is showing the world that women can excel in engineering. As the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at UC, she went on to become the first woman of color appointed to the Leadership Team composed of Deans in the College of Engineering. 

She joined the faculty of the College of Engineering and Applied Science and is the only African American female following an impressive tenure at Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing North America. It was there that she combined her quantitative analysis and engineering skills to develop a new method to forecast potential vehicle part problems using probability and statistics.

Now Dr. Gaskins is further advancing her passion to educate and encourage the world’s change makers. As the inaugural Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement, she spearheads the recruitment, support and retention of marginalized and minority students. She also is the founder of The Gaskins Foundation, a community-based 501c3 non-profit organization that facilitates exposure to STEM engineering among underrepresented K-12 students.

Achievements

• First female and African-American Assistant Dean, UC College of Engineering and Applied Science

• Ohio Department of Higher Education General Education Curriculum Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2020-present

• Cincinnati Urban League Affirmed Award 2020

• Marian Spencer Equity Ambassador Award, University of Cincinnati 2020

• Dr. Terry Kershaw Legacy and Social Justice Award, UC 2019

• Greater Cincinnati Black History Maker, Cincinnati Regional Chamber 2019

• National Society of Black Engineers Educator of the Year 2016

• YWCA Rising Star 2015

Lisa Kelly, M.D., Taylor Asbury Professor of Ophthalmology; Medical Director Hoxworth Eye Clinics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Dr. Kelly is leveraging her national prominence in the field of ophthalmology by working to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in medicine and addressing the health disparities in ophthalmology. In the U.S., less than 150 of the 18,000 ophthalmologists are African American women. By authoring publications on this imbalance, advocating for an increase in minority students entering medicine, and personally mentoring students at the UC College of Medicine, Dr. Kelly brings a fervent spirit for change.

She led a national campaign to increase underrepresented minority students in ophthalmology, jointly sponsored by two major professional associations. Her inspiration comes from her own experiences as a minority woman graduate of Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the Johns Hopkins School of Education and the Stanford Medical School Residency Program.

Dr. Kelly was the first woman to head the Cornea Transplant Service at Stanford University, the first woman Chief of Ophthalmology at the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital, the first woman Medical Director of the Hoxworth Eye Clinics and the first African American woman in the ophthalmology departments at Southern Illinois, Stanford and the University of Cincinnati. Prior to her tenure at UC she founded her own medical practice in Annapolis, MD, serving thousands of patients with a desire to improve the lives of every individual, especially those with vision loss due to diabetes. 

Achievements

• First African American woman in Ophthalmology departments at Stanford, Southern Illinois and UC

• Cincy Magazine Top Doctor of Ophthalmology 2020-2021

• Optimum Magestrum UC College of Medicine Teaching Award 2020

• University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Mentor of the Year Award 2018

• American Academy of Ophthalmology Founding Member of the Minority Mentor Committee

• Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Medical Educator Council

Kelly Kolar-Eyman, President & Founder Kolar Design, Inc.+Kolar Experience Institute

As one of the preeminent designers and connectors of creatives in the region and beyond, Kelly demonstrates daily how creativity intersects with communities and business. She initially began leaving her imprint on a multitude of local signature design projects such as the look for the Cincinnati Bi-Centennial and Tall Stacks events, and branding space at institutions like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Her company has now evolved, working with architects, planners and designers globally to understand the true spirit of a place and measure the behaviors that drive the human experience for business results. 

Kelly gleaned her innovative design thinking as a graduate of the UC College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) where she generously gives back by teaching classes and mentoring young creatives in new paradigms of thinking. She has shaped her career centered on three pillars: arts, education and entrepreneurship, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the center of her projects.

The creation of The Kolar Experience Institute connects thought leadership, research, design thinkers, architects, designers and business leaders in developing a deeper understanding of the connections between human experiences and business. Her firm has worked with global businesses and communities in over 15 countries building branded experiences.

Kelly has shown that the creative community can work side by side within cities to co-create and collaborate in transformational endeavors. “Anything is possible as long as the conceptual thinkers are creating a brighter and more enhanced future.” she believes. Kelly has mobilized creatives in various types of arts from culinary, music, poetry, industrial, architecture and open spaces to believe that anything is possible as long as one uses imagination, teamwork, inclusion and the belief that every person who believes in the power of possibilities will envision a creative future to help the greater good.  

Achievements

• Second Annual Todd Portune Innovation Champion Award from the HCDC Office of Creativity + Innovation  for empowering others to innovate and be innovators 2019

• Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year 2019

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Global Team Vice Chair 2021

• WBEC-ORV Board Member,  2017- present 

• ArtsWave Women’s Leadership Roundtable 2014-present

• Contemporary Arts Center Trustee 2012-2020

Tashawna Thomas Otabil, Executive Director, TriHealth

In just two years Tashawna has grown physician value based revenue in her managed care division at TriHealth from $12 million to $38 million. The division has been recognized as the is the top Accountability Care Organization (ACO) in the nation which brings physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers together to provide coordinated care to Commercial, Medicare, Medicaid patients.

She has somehow found time to author four Amazon best-selling books, It Takes Money Honey, Leadership Tidbits, Leadership Tidbits ll and Unprecedented Times.  All have been published in either 2019 or 2020. They provide inspiration for empowerment and strategies to help women excel in their personal and professional journeys. Tashawna has also demonstrated an innate ability for mentoring women whether it concerns decisions about career roles, negotiating your salaries or taking accountability for relationships. It’s a role she considers a combination of consultant, counselor and cheerleader.

In addition to being an advocate for women, Tashawna helped develop and launch TriHealth’s first African American employee resource group. Over 200 employees attended the first meeting in November 2020, expressing excitement for a forum encouraging their voices to be heard. Tashawna currently co-leads the leadership development program called BOLD (Building Our Leader Development) for emerging leaders that launched in January. Lastly, Tashawna leads TriHealth’s SOAR Service Recovery team, providing opportunities for team members to recover and learn from failed service opportunities.

Achievements

• TriHealth Servant Leader Award 2020

• Bronze Metal Healthcare Financial  Leadership Award 2019

• Ohio National Diversity Top 15 Businesswomen 2018

• TriHealth Finance Pillar Performance Award 2018

• Karen Wellington Foundation 2021-present 

• St. Aloysius Board of Director 2019-present

• Urban League GSO Board of Directors 2016-present

• Healthcare Financial Management Association Board 2015-2019

Stephanie Smith, Senior Vice President, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, Fifth Third Bank

As Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Fifth Third Bank, Stephanie is responsible for the comprehensive strategic framework of the bank’s inclusion and diversity efforts. This responsibility touches 20,000 employees, 70 regional business resource groups, 14 regional inclusion councils, supplier diversity, workforce diversity and partnering with the government affairs division regarding regulatory and legislative issues related to inclusion and diversity. Stephanie manages a $2.5 million budget.

Prior to her current position Stephanie was the bank’s first director of supplier diversity. She was able to build the foundation for a diversity and inclusion program stemming from that position.  Stephanie launched the Unconscious Bias Awareness Program throughout the organization and received approval from the Board of Directors for her ideas, leading to the first Executive Diversity Leadership Council and the bold strategic initiative, “Accelerating Racial Equality, Equity & Inclusion.” 

Achievements

• Led the development of the Inclusion Toolkit as a resource for employees, customers and the community at 53.com

• Increased the Fifth Third diversity budget by 900%

• National Diversity Council Top 50 Diversity Officers Award 2020

• Career Mastered Diversity Leadership Award 2020

• Ohio Minority Supplier Development Corporation of the Year 2020

• Best of the Decade Supplier Diversity 2019

• Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity 2018

• Service on the boards of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Social Venture Partners and UC Research Institute

Amy Spiller, President, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, Duke Energy

Amy Spiller never sought the spotlight or the C-Suite. But through bringing her inquisitive, open and authentic self to work each day, she continually climbed further up the corporate ladder. Like her parents who worked well into their late-70s, Amy adheres to a similar work ethic-- being hard-working, genuine and respectful.

A lawyer by training, Amy served Duke Energy for a decade as Deputy General Counsel where she shaped Duke Energy’s regulatory strategic planning in Ohio and Kentucky. Her work culminated in successfully arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court of Ohio in 2017.

Amy’s subsequent background as vice president of government and community affairs prepared her for her current position where relationships with customers and regional leaders are key. For the past year she has advocated for families and businesses impacted by the pandemic. She embodies Duke Energy’s purpose: to improve the lives of its customers and the vitality of its communities.

The Duke Energy Foundation, along with Advocates for African Americans, a Duke Energy Employee Resource Group, championed the delivery of $200,000 to 11 local nonprofits committed to social justice and racial equity across the region. Amy also directed funding toward an ArtsWave grant program supporting Black and Latino artists. This past summer she was named inaugural chair of a Duke Energy engagement and inclusion council that serves over 3,000 employees across the company. The council introduced tactics aimed at helping employees feel valued, empowered and included throughout the organization.

Achievements

• Inaugural Chair of Duke Energy Engagement and Inclusion Council

• Mt. Auburn Development Corporation Board 2021

• Cincinnati Business Committee Board 2018-present

• Cincinnati Center City Development Corp (3CDC) Board 2018-present

• Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Board 2018-present

• Cintrifuse Board 2018-present

• One NKY Alliance 2018-present

• REDI Cincinnati Executive Committee 2018-present

• United Way Campaign Cabinet 2020

The YWCA Career Women of Achievement program also includes

Presentation of the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Scholarship Award, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee to Angela “Angel” Spurlock-Lang.

Angel is a gifted artist who serves as an official Self-Advocate with the YWCA Project CARE. She facilitates several art-based workshops and support groups designed to connect clients in a holistic and healing way. Angel’s unbridled enthusiasm and thirst for learning has led to increased responsibilities. She is candid about her personal struggles, shared in a calm and reassuring way which helps others feel at ease.

Angel has been accepted as a student by Mount St. Joseph University. She is highly motivated to become a social worker and eventually an art therapist. The Schmidlapp Scholarship will lessen the financial burden of books and tuition. Angel is a new mother and while her spouse works full-time, their financial situation is strained. Angel is upfront about her suicide attempts leading to hospitalizations, rehabilitation services and therapy. Her journey toward healing has influenced other lives for the better.

“Angel is deserving of this scholarship award because she has faced so many challenges throughout her life yet continues to hold a deep desire to help others.” sSays Holly Watson of Project CARE. “She is sensitive and kind, and her strength, hope and wisdom bring a sense of calmness and clarity to all those she supports.”

Presentation of the Mamie Earl Sells Scholarship, presented by Kroger, to Trinity Robinson. Wall Street beckons Trinity. Upon graduation from Northwest High School, Trinity plans to major in business administration/finance at Ohio University so that she can be among the 10% of women who reach the pinnacle of Wall Street financial success. She is well on her way as a state officer for the Ohio Business Professionals of America, first serving as state secretary and then as president.

Like Ms. Sells, Trinity lifts others up as she serves her school and community—all while working full time as a sales representative, corporate and special event host and a supervisor at Full Throttle Adrenalin Park since 2018 and as a guest advocate at Target since November 2020.

Trinity takes a full complement of advanced placement courses and maintains a GPA of 3.5 while devoting herself to community service and mentoring others. Instructor Peter Clark says, “Trinity volunteers as a teller of the Knights Credit Union, teaches financial literacy skills to elementary students and works with our special needs students to help them attain life skills. She is also active in the Diversity Club, Brothers and Sister United and Driving Angels. Trinity is a natural leader and the level of energy and passion she shows is exceptional. In a word, Trinity is AMAZING.”

Thank you, Jean-Robert

By Betsy Ross

"People who love to eat are always the best people."

--Julia Child

When Jean-Robert de Cavel came to Cincinnati in 1993 to be Chef de cuisine at the famed Maisonette, he admitted that he planned to be here a few years, then move on to bigger cities and better-known restaurants. Understandable, since his French culinary training already had taken him to world-class restaurants in Antibes, the British West Indies and New York before he came to Ohio.  

Instead, he and his wife, Annette, are coming up on nearly 30 years in the greater Cincinnati area. Along the way he has served up fine cuisine downtown, from the Maisonette to Pigall’s, to a series of restaurants stretching from Over-the-Rhine to the suburbs.

Last month, a chapter of Jean-Robert’s story ended with the closing of Jean-Robert’s Table on Vine Street. For the first time in nearly 28 years, there will not be a downtown restaurant with Jean-Robert in the kitchen.

Oh, we can still grab brunch at French Crust or a burger at Frenchie Fresh, but there was always something special about going to a Jean-Robert restaurant downtown. Whether it was a special date night, a family celebration or a business dinner, a reservation at the Maisonette or Pigall’s or, more recently, JR’S Table or Restaurant L, meant you were in for a culinary treat.

But Jean-Robert isn’t just a celebrity chef—he’s OUR celebrity chef. He may have been born in France and still may carry his native land’s accent, but make no mistake, he’s part of our community—teaching the next generation of chefs as an instructor at the Midwest Culinary Institute, serving up gourmet bites for dozens of fundraisers around town and representing Cincinnati for years at the Taste of the NFL during Super Bowl week.

In 2003 after the tragic death of their daughter Tatiana of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, he and his wife founded the de Cavel Family SIDS Foundation. His “Eat, Play, Give” fundraising brunch has grown to one of the largest SIDS fundraisers in the country. Yes, we finally had the chance to give back to Jean-Robert as generously as he has given to us. 

Long-term, Jean-Robert says he’ll be looking for another central location to keep the de Cavel downtown tradition going. For now, though, we raise a glass to say “Thank You” to Jean-Robert and his years downtown—and here’s to many more.

Thank you, ArtsWave, for your dedication to the arts

Dear ArtsWave,

From the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences to the country’s oldest unified arts fund, thank you!  Your contributions to our creative economy are in large part why Cincinnati was ranked #20 in the 40 most vibrant arts communities in the U.S.

Mikki Shaffner Photography

Your support of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) specifically has assisted us in providing Broadway-quality TCT MainStage at the Taft performances for over a century, reaching over 100,000 families with children and students annually.  Your assistance helps us reach an additional over 50,000 students per year through our TCT on Tour division, touring five to seven productions annually to schools, community centers, libraries, and public venues, and to impact 1,200 children through our TCT Academy performing arts instruction.

Mikki Shaffner Photography

Your additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic has kept us afloat, ensuring our ability to educate, entertain, and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming for another 100+ years to come.  As a result, we were able to shift gears quickly during the pandemic, providing limited capacity, socially distanced live performances, a mix of in-person and virtual instruction and innovative digital offerings such as our interactive Pick-A-Path productions during which children are asked questions and are able to make choices changing the course of the production along the way.

Thank you for your continued dedication to, not just TCT, but all arts organizations throughout our community, and for making Greater Cincinnati a better place in which to work, live, and play.  And we will continue to do our part, creating family memories to last a lifetime.

All our best,

Kim Kern, Managing Director & CEO

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Roderick Justice, Producing Artistic Director

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Thanks, Joe, for the promise of better days

When Joe Burrow went down in a heap during the Washington game, it wasn’t just the Bengals’ quarterback who was screaming—it was every Bengals fan watching or listening.

And it was an ugly flashback to the litany of injuries that seemingly had haunted this franchise since the days of Greg Cook: Ki-Jana Carter, Tim Krumrie and, of course, Carson Palmer, to name a few.

@bengals

Joe had given the Bengals the swagger that had been missing from the team—that Boomer Esiason aura that helped lead them to the post season and the ’89 Super Bowl. But in an instant, all that was gone--turning to concern for the future of the Heisman-winning national champion.

By all accounts, including his own, Joe’s rehab is going on schedule and he is aiming to be taking snaps when the regular season starts in September. So while it’s “wait ‘til next year” again for Bengals fans, there are some things we can take from this past year:

• Joe Burrow immediately became a national spokesperson and advocate for those struggling to put food on the table with his Heisman speech.  “Coming from southeast Ohio, it’s a very impoverished area,” he said. “The poverty rate is almost two times the national average. There are so many people there that don’t have a lot. I’m up here for all those kids in Athens and Athens County that go home—not a lot of food on the table, hungry after school. You guys can be up here too.”

That speech brought in a half million dollars for the Athens County Food Pantry and gave hope to kids everywhere whose families are struggling during these turbulent times.

• As a rookie, you’re taught to work hard, keep your head down and be quiet. Instead, Joe Burrow spoke up as one of the team leaders for equal justice. “The black community needs our help,” he tweeted after the death of George Floyd. “They have been unheard for far too long. Open your ears, listen, and speak. This isn’t politics. This is human rights.” He also was among those to speak as the Bengals marched to the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in August to bring attention to the issue of human rights.

• Voted a team captain in his first year, Burrow was on pace to break a number of rookie records, including Andrew Luck's 2012 NFL rookie record for passing yards, before his injury. In his last win, in week 8 against the Titans, Burrow went 26/37 for 249 yards, two touchdowns and no picks.

As much as Bengals fans would have liked, 2020 was not to be for the team. But all signs point to a better 2021, with a healthy quarterback and more fans in the stands. So thank you, Joe Burrow, for giving Bengals fans something to cheer about last year, and something to look forward to this year.

Thank you, Daisy Jane, for brightening our lives

By: Betsy Ross

Photography by: Shae Combs

A little more than two years ago, local TV reporter Megan Moore decided to leave the news business and start her own business, a home delivery and pop-up floral shop. Inspired by a similar florist-on-wheels in Nashville, TN, Amelia's Flower Truck, Megan found a vintage Ford Econoline truck and Daisy Jane’s was born in the spring of 2019.

Over the last two years, Daisy Jane has expanded from one truck to two (Pearl Rose is the new addition), and to a physical store in East Walnut Hills. In between Megan has taught flower arrangement classes, popped up at festivals and events (when we had them), and generally brought smiles to greater Cincinnati when an unexpected bouquet or arrangement appears.

In one of her early blogs on her website, Megan writes, “I believe it’s the little things that change hearts and can change the course of someone’s day. Small intentional gestures matter. Showing someone that you see them. Showing them that they are thought of, I believe goes a long way.”

Daisy Jane has expanded in the last few months to contactless delivery, DIY kits and related items, such as candles and cards. Along the way the business has garnered a host of fans and clients who believe that a bouquet or an arrangement, especially unexpected, can brighten the moment for those of us who are pandemic and winter-weary and need some cheer.

So thank you, Daisy Jane (and sister Pearl Rose) for bringing smiles to our faces and flowers to our door. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a random Tuesday, your gifts are a welcome touch of spring and a promise of brighter days to come.

Happy Birthday Fiona and Thank You For All the Joy

By: Betsy Ross

Photography and Videography by: Shae Combs

All I really need to know in life, I learned from Fiona.

It is the birthday month for the world’s most beloved hippo because, let’s face it, one day is just not enough to celebrate all that is Fiona. From her VERY premature birth on January 24, 2017, to her fourth birthday, Fiona has captivated our imaginations while teaching us life lessons along the way. Let’s start with the birth itself—the team at the Cincinnati Zoo knew she was coming, and was excited that she would be the first Nile hippo to be born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 75 years. But no one knew she was coming quite as early as she did. She was born six weeks prematurely, weighing 29 pounds—most newborn hippos weigh twice that much.

Her care during that time right after birth has been well documented, as #TeamFiona was formed to basically write the book on how to take care of a premature hippo. We watched every moment--from bottle feeding to seeing Fiona lay on volunteers’ stomachs so she could learn how to breathe, to her dehydration scare that required Cincinnati Children’s to step in with a specialized team to insert an IV to get her nutrition.

We laughed, we smiled, we cried, we prayed as Fiona took her first steps, waded in the kiddie pool and finally met her parents. She received cards and letters from school children around the world. Fiona had beaten the odds and today is a healthy, happy hippo, serving as the unofficial mascot for the Zoo. Along the way, Fiona taught us valuable life lessons, including:

• Resilience. No other hippo has survived after starting life so small and so premature. Fiona taught us to hang on, even when the odds are against us.

• Trust. Fiona had to trust the #TeamFiona staff to teach her how to be a hippo. She waded into the pool with the volunteers, trusting they would take care of her as she learned how to maneuver in the water. Now, the pool at Hippo Cove is one of her favorite places.

• Gratitude. To this day, when Fiona sees one of her caregivers, she sprints (as much as an almost 2,000 pound animal can sprint) across the Cove to say hello. You can tell she’s grateful for the care they gave her around the clock during her first six months.

• Friendship. If you’ve ever visited Fiona, chances are she’ll swim right up to you and say hello. Fiona’s never met a stranger. During this spring’s Zoo shutdown, Director Thayne Maynard talked about how much the animals missed seeing people, especially Fiona. “Fiona was not just raised by people, she was hand raised by people,” he said.

• Stage presence. When the spotlight landed on Fiona, she didn’t give it up. She’s spawned a line of t-shirts, mugs, books, stuffed animals, you name it. She and mom Bibi crush pumpkins for Halloween and open presents from Santa for Christmas. Video of her Super Bowl picks are shown around the world (last year she threw up on Kansas City—and it worked out well for the Chiefs).

This month as we mark Fiona’s 4th birthday, let’s celebrate her amazing, improbably life and take to heart the lessons she’s taught us along the way. Thank you, Fiona, for showing us resilience, trust, gratitude, friendship and yes, a little bit of sass.

Happy birthday, and here’s wishing you many more.