Pawsitive Thinking

Would you rather be lucky or good? With Paw Draw, you have a chance to be both.

Save the Animals Foundation (STAF) is holding its biggest raffle of the year, Paw Draw, right now, continuing through August 31. Raffle tickets are available at www.STAF.org.

The “chairpets” for 2021 STAF Paw Draw are Noelle and Garfield, both at STAF, waiting for their forever homes.

Noelle

About: She loves toys, long walks by the lake, cuddles and her training at MaxPack. She is beautiful and her fur is the softest!

Garfield

About: He is very friendly and vocal. When the cat volunteer asked if he liked his food and wanted more, he meowed back at her right away. He was moved recently to a room and is much happier roaming and being with the other cats. His eyes are even more striking in person!

“STAF is unique organization that relies upon dedicated volunteers to maintain the best care for our dogs and cats,” says Kara Markham, a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors.

STAF is a volunteer run, nonprofit shelter and adoption center for dogs and cats in the greater Cincinnati area. For over 28 years STAF has been giving dogs and cats the best day, every day, while working to match them with their forever families. 365 days a year, volunteers run two shifts to feed, play, brush, walk, run and love the animals at the shelter.

“All STAF funding comes from donations, grants, and fundraising events,” says Markham. “STAF Paw Draw is one of our biggest fundraisers each year.

Three monetary prizes will be awarded:

1st: $2,000

2nd: $1,000

3rd: $500

“With the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our ability to hold in-person fundraising events, funds raised through the Paw Draw this year are especially needed to allow STAF to continue fulfilling our mission of animal rescue and care,” says Markham.

Proving their Mettle

Though COVID-19 canceled or forced the rescheduling of major sports events throughout 2020, it also allowed athletes preparing for Tokyo 2020 an extra summer to prepare for the games, including Cincinnati natives Zach Apple, Rose Lavelle, and Duke Ragan.

2020 Tokyo Olympics: Cincinnati Athletes

Zach Apple

Men’s Swimming – Edgewood High School alum Zach Apple is a former state and national champion. He went on to Auburn University before transferring to Indiana University his senior year. He is competing in three events in Tokyo: 4x100 m Freestyle, July 25, 8-10 p.m. ET; 4x200 m Freestyle, July 27, 8-10 p.m. ET; 100 m Freestyle, July 27, 8-10 p.m. ET.

Rose Lavelle

Women’s Soccer – Lavelle, who graduated as a Mount Notre Dame four-year varsity letter soccer player, was named Cincinnati Player of the Year by the Enquirer. The midfielder has appeared in 56 games for the USWNT, scored 14 goals and assisted on nine more goals. The USWNT is competing in Group G and will play at these times: July 21, 4:30 a.m. ET vs Sweden; July 24, 7:30 a.m. ET vs New Zealand; July 27, 4 a.m. vs Australia.

Duke Ragan

Boxing – The Western Hills High School alum is competing in the featherweight class this summer. The 23-year-old is a professional boxer who has compiled a 4-0 record since going pro last summer. His father, Derek Ragan has been his trainer for years. His journey for gold in the featherweight class begins July 25 from 10 p.m.–July 26, 2:45 a.m. ET.

Over the years, Cincinnati has been home to many Olympians, and that continues this year. Enjoy a brief history of athletes born and raised in the region, including who look forward to during the XXII Olympiad in Tokyo.

Jenny Kemp (1972 gold medal): Born and raised in Cincinnati, Jenny Kemp was a gold medal winner at the age of 17. At the Munich Olympics, Kemp helped lead the Americans to an incredible victory over Eastern Germany by four-tenths of a second in the 4x100 m Freestyle. She would later graduate from the University of Cincinnati and swim for the Cincinnati Marlins swim club, where she set a world record.

Amanda Borden (1996 gold): Magnificent! Borden graduated from Finneytown High School and went on to be the captain of the “Magnificent Seven” that won Team USA’s gold, the first Olympic medal in US Women’s Gymnastics history. She began her training at the Cincinnati Gymnastics Center in Fairfield .

Gary Hall Jr. (1996 silver and gold medals, 2000 gold medals, 2004 gold medal): Born in Cincinnati, Gary Hall Jr. is the son of Gary Hall Sr., a three-time Olympic medalist and world-record holder. Hall Jr. won 10 Olympic medals between the Atlanta, Sydney and Athens Olympics. He defended his 50 m Freestyle title as the oldest American swimmer since 1924 and is a member of the Team USA Hall of Fame.

Bryan Volpenhein (2000 and 2004 gold medals, 2008 bronze medal): A graduate of Kings High School, Bryan Volpenhein is a three-time medalist, taking Team USA to gold in the 2000 and 2004 Men’s Eight and bronze in 2008. Volpenhein also served as the national team head coach from 2013-2018 and coached the 2016 Olympics. He now serves as the University of Pennsylvania men’s heavyweight rowing head coach.

Heather Mitts (2004, 2008, 2012 gold medals): Mitts was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team and graduated from Mount Notre Dame. While at MND, Mitts high school career record was 70-5-10 and she led the soccer program to a 1993 State Championship, as well as consecutive years of national rankings in the Top 12. The right back also won all-state honors her junior and senior years. She also led the University of Florida Gators to its first Women’s National Soccer Championship in 1998. She has two international goals in her career, both were game-winners. The U.S. defeated these teams for gold: Brazil, 2-1 in 2004; Brazil, 1-0 in 2008; Japan, 2-1 in 2012.

Mary Wineberg (2008 gold medal): Hailing from Walnut Hills High School, Mary Wineberg helped the 4x400 m Relay outrun Russia to win gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The gold medalist graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2002 and became the first African American female from UC to win gold in the Olympics.    

David Payne (2008 silver medal): Payne graduated from Wyoming High School and was a teammate of Wineberg while at UC competing on the men’s track and field team. He prevailed to win a silver medal in the 110 m Hurdles finishing with a time of 13.17 seconds––only losing to the Cuban former world-record holder, Dayron Robles. Robles’ record was beaten in September 2012 with a time of 12.80 seconds.

Nick Thoman (2012 silver and gold): Thoman captured a silver medal in the 100 m Backstroke. The Mariemont High School alum (’04) swam for Cincinnati Aquatics Club before attending the University of Arizona. The backstroke specialist also helped qualify Team USA in the 4x100 m Medley Relay, in which the team eventually went to win gold in.

Kayla Harrison (2012 gold medal and 2016 gold medal): A Middletown native, Harrison was the first and only American woman or man to win a gold medal in the history of judo at the 2012 Olympics in London. The Middletown High School alumna (’08) defended her gold in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. She now fights in the Professional Fighting League (PFL) and currently has a 10-0 record.

Rachael Adams (2016 bronze medal): Adams graduated from Mount Notre Dame High School in 2008 and went on to play at the University of Texas. While at MND, she won State Championships for volleyball and basketball. Adams won a bronze medal for volleyball at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. As a middle blocker, she helped Team USA defeat the Netherlands 3-1. She also was named USA Volleyball Most Improved Player on the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2016.

Max Holt (2016 bronze medal): Max Holt joined Rachael Adams in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics as a middle blocker for the men’s sand volleyball. The 2005 Purcell Marian grad was named an alternate to the 2012 Olympic Games before helping lead Team USA to a bronze medal in 2016 over Russia. Additionally, Holt collected the second most blocks among blockers in the Olympics.

2020 Tokyo Olympics: Cincinnati Athletes

 Zach Apple (Men’s Swimming) – Edgewood High School alum Zach Apple is a former state and national champion. He went on to Auburn University before transferring to Indiana University his senior year. He is competing in three events in Tokyo: 4x100 m Freestyle, July 25, 8-10 p.m. ET; 4x200 m Freestyle, July 27, 8-10 p.m. ET; 100 m Freestyle, July 27, 8-10 p.m. ET.

Rose Lavelle (Women’s Soccer) – Lavelle, who graduated as a Mount Notre Dame four-year varsity letter soccer player, was named Cincinnati Player of the Year by the Enquirer. The midfielder has appeared in 56 games for the USWNT, scored 14 goals and assisted on nine more goals. The USWNT is competing in Group G and will play at these times: July 21, 4:30 a.m. ET vs Sweden; July 24, 7:30 a.m. ET vs New Zealand; July 27, 4 a.m. vs Australia.

Duke Ragan (Boxing) – The Western Hills High School alum is competing in the featherweight class this summer. The 23-year-old is a professional boxer who has compiled a 4-0 record since going pro last summer. His father, Derek Ragan has been his trainer for years. His journey for gold in the featherweight class begins July 25 from 10 p.m.–July 26, 2:45 a.m. ET.

(All athletes on this list were born and raised in Greater Cincinnati or graduated from a high school in the area.)

–Jacob Mantle

Hit Parade

For more than 150 years, Northside has held a parade on Independence Day. What began as a march of Turners, Oddfellows, butchers, and bricklayers in 1854, gave way to drag queens, Men’s Drill Team, Lawn Chair Ladies, and Dancefix.

Neil Spataro, Chair,
Northside 4th of July Committee

It is the stuff of legend.

But last year’s annual parade, and its accompanying Rock ‘n’ Roll Carnival were cancelled due to the pandemic.

“The parade has such a long history, we couldn’t imagine missing two years in a row,” says Neil Spataro, Northside 4th of July committee chair. “I didn’t want it to happen on my watch.”

Though restrictions on gatherings began to ease in the Spring, it still wasn’t enough lead time to plan a mile-long parade on Hamilton Avenue and a carnival in the park. The Parade Committee needed an alternate plan for this year, too.

“We looked at what other cities had done,” says Spataro. “And we asked ourselves what is Northside good at.”

“We wanted to try to capture that energy,” says Spataro.

The idea for this year’s block parties and “house floats” in Northside was inspired by Mardi Gras, which had krewes decorating houses around New Orleans.

“The house floats came out of necessity. We were trying to make (a celebration) that would be compatible with whatever situation we would be in at the time,” says Spataro.

Another big influence? Northside’s own “scare coronas.”

Let Freedom Ring

Taking in the sights and sounds of the Northside 4th of July festivities? Neighborhood businesses will be open!

Bars

• C & D Northside, open 4 p.m.–12 a.m.

• Chameleon, open 4 p.m.–12 a.m. (kitchen closed)

•  Higher Gravity, open 1–9 p.m.

• Humble Monk Brewing Co., open 1–7 p.m., with Kealoha’s Kitchen offering Hawaiian fusion BBQ

• Northside Tavern, open 3 p.m.–2:30 a.m.

• Second Place, open 11 a.m.–12am,, with a grill out w/special menu

• Tillie’s Lounge presents NEDS (Never Ending Drag Show) in the rear parking lot. Three FREE sets on the hours at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. All ages are welcome.

• Urban Artifact. open 12–6pm

Restaurants

• Bridges Nepali Cuisine. open 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

• The Littlefield. open 11 a.m.–9 p.m., with a grill out special menu all day

• Melt Revival, open 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

• Northside Yacht Club, open 11 a.m.–2 a.m., with a grill out and karaoke party

• N.Y.P.D. Pizza Inc., open 12 –10 p.m.

• Tickle Pickle Northside, open 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Find more info at welcometonorthside.com/your-guide-to-4th-of-july.

Last spring, spurred on by photographer Tina Gutierrez, houses throughout the neighborhood installed “scare coronas” –humanoid figures made of art supplies, household items, lights, and any number of weird things residents had on hand – to ward off the coronavirus and bring a bit of joy to a very dark time.

“We saw the enthusiasm people had for the Scare Coronas. Plus this neighborhood goes hard for Halloween,” says Spataro. “We felt strongly that people would go for decorating. It was a matter of encouraging them.”

Over the past few weeks, the parade committee distributed a couple of dozen decorating kits. But in the last couple of days the map has filled in with parties and DIY celebrations.

Block parties are set for Brookside Avenue (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), Cherry Street (3 to 7 p.m.), Haight Avenue (12 to 4 p.m.), and Ludlow Place (12 to 5 p.m.).

“We had the idea, but weren’t sure if people would be into it,” says Spataro. “The enthusiasm has been growing – It’s really living up to want we want it to be.”

““In my head, I knew they would. We put in the work, we just had to give people time to get into it, says Spataro. “People will surprise you in all kinds of ways.”

–Tricia Suit

Film School

If You Go

The first session of the series is Tuesday, June 29, 5:30 p.m.

Kristen Schlotman moderates a discussion on acting, with special guest D. Lynn Meyers from the Ensemble Theater.

FREE, register now.
For more information on the workforce development seminars, visit filmcincinnati.com

This week, Film Cincinnati launches a new workforce development virtual seminar series that examines the inner workings of filmmaking. The series, which starts June 29, is dedicated to inclusion and diversity in the film industry while giving those interested in filmmaking advice on how to enter the business.

“Ninety-eight percent of people in this industry will never walk the red carpet. Movies are made by hardworking tradespeople,” says Kristen Schlotman, executive director at Film Cincinnati. “The purpose of this training series is to educate a new audience that there is a space for them in this industry.”

Features and benefits of the seminar series include

• A breakdown of the industry department by department

• Direct access to Film Cincinnati and local crew leaders

• Attendance is free, and recaps of the sessions will be available online

The series begins on Tuesday, June 29, with Kristen Schlotman moderating a discussion on acting, with special guest will be D. Lynn Meyers from the Ensemble Theater. Meyers is a leading casting director for the film industry, working on such movies as Hillbilly Elegy, The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Carol.

Film Cincinnati is recognized as a non-profit 501(c)(3). As one of the oldest film commissions in the country, Film Cincinnati is dedicated to attracting, cultivating, and promoting film, television, and commercial production in Cincinnati. Marketing Cincinnati to Hollywood; fostering a production-friendly environment back home; cultivating community within the local crew base; and lobbying for legislation are a few of the many ways Film Cincinnati works to nurture the production ecosystem within the Queen City. As the industry leader in Cincinnati, engineering the infrastructure for sustainable industry success and becoming a premier destination for filming are the unrelenting purposes of Film Cincinnati.

Fur Sure

Shopping isn’t just for humans. But your four-legged friends can’t shop online, so they rely on you to pick out the best food, the coolest toys, and the tastiest treats.

Local pet supply stores make it easy for you to keep your best friend healthy and engaged, plus you could even shop together for something special.

Growing Trade Pet & Plant
3840 Spring Grove Ave.
Cincinnati OH 45223
growingtradestore.com

At Growing Trade Pet & Plant, a Northside mainstay, you’ll find food, toys, supplements, and more for your dogs and cats, but you’ll also find everything you need for birds, backyard livestock, and even wildlife.

“Anything with catnip in it is popular with cats,” says Kathy Long, one of the store’s owners.

The store also sells a number of laser toys which are fun for both cats and humans. Long says that the “fishing pole” toys (wands with feathers or other attachments) are also popular. “Those are always a high-seller!”

For dogs, natural hemp rope toys are popular, and available in a variety of sizes. “They’re good for tugging, throwing, and chewing,” Long says. As an added bonus, the toys also help keep teeth clean.

A popular treat for dogs are the collagen chews, an alternative to traditional rawhide treats. “These are more digestible, cheaper, and longer-lasting than rawhide,” Long says.

Argos – East Walnut Hills
2801 Woodburn Ave.

Argos – Madeira
7713 Camargo Road
www.argospet.com

Argos, with stores in East Walnut Hills and Madeira and planned expansion into Pleasant Ridge, specializes in their own, specially-crafted, private line of pet food. But they also offer toys, treats, and grooming items.

Their best selling dog treat is beef lung, which they sell by the pound. For toys, treat mazes – where you can hide treat for your dog to fine – are a popular choice. “They come in a range of sizes, so dogs small to large can get mental stimulation,” says Simon Coriell, who runs the East Walnut Hills shop.

For cats, their line of freeze-dried treats, made in-house, are a hot item. “Duck liver is the most popular,” says Coriell.

Pet Wants began in 2010, focused on creating fresh, nutritional pet food delivered right to consumers. Since the, the store has expanded beyond food, now offering toys, treats, and accessories, at 90 locations across 27 states.

Pet Wants – Findlay Market
1813 Pleasant St.
petwantscincy.com
(with locations around the region)

Keeping with that ethos, one of Pet Wants’ current best sellers is their house-made beef jerky. “It’s made with human-grade ingredients, we just don’t add spices,” says Dea Dressman at the Findlay Market location.

The Fluff & Tuff toys are popular, too. These “super cute” stuffed animals stand up to tough chewers.

“Nothing is indestructible,” says Dressman, “but they are very well made.”

Cats love their house-made, freeze dried shrimp and smelt treats. For a little fun, Dressman recommends the “hilarious” Mad Cat toys. How can you go wrong with a Sasquatch stuffed with catnip?

Petey’s Pet Shop
311 Howell St.
www.peteyspetstop.com

“People love local,” says Beth McCarty, the co-owner of Petey’s Pet Shop. One example are the Brewhaus Dog Bones, made in town by a non-profit organization that creates the handcrafted, small batch, oven baked dog treats from whole grains proudly sourced from local Cincinnati microbreweries.

Cats love toys that allow them to be physical and get some exercise, with the aptly named SlimCat being a popular brand, according to McCarty.

“Toys that are made from natural and environmentally friendly materials, like West Paw and Bark Bones, are also popular,” McCarty says. “And things made in the United States.”

The Fruitables line of dog treats are made with pumpkin, cranberries, blueberries, and other natural ingredients. Snook's Pet Products, a family-owned company based in Oregon, is famous for their Sweet Potato Dog Chews.

“Those are wonderful for the belly and the teeth,” McCarty says.

Sweet Land of Liberty

“Juneteenth is a holiday,” Lydia Morgan says. “Just like the Fourth of July, it’s for everyone.”

Lydia Morgan

Morgan, the founder and coordinator of Juneteenth Cincinnati, organized the first celebration in 1988. From that small neighborhood festival in Kennedy Heights, the event grew to include music, storytelling, food, folk art, historic reenactments, and even baby goats.

Juneteenth Block Party at The Banks
Friday, June 18, 4 to 11 p.m.
Freedom Way, DORA District

Balancing celebration and education, Paloozanoire has create a block party with entertainment, food, arts, connectivity activations, fireworks and more for Juneteenth.

• ArtsWave Artists Zone 

• Black Women’s Kroger and Black Girls Ventures Entrepreneurial Lounge 

• 4­­–8 p.m. – Kroger Family Zone (face painting, balloon artists, Reds mascots),

• 5:30–6:30 p.m. – DJ Rah D

• 7:15–7:30 p.m.– Natural Progression, 6:30-8:15 p.m. with intermission from

• 8:15–9:30 p.m.– DJ Ari,

• 9:30–11 p.m.– DJ Prymtime,

• 10 p.m.–Fireworks Show by Rozzi Fireworks

Event partners: Procter & Gamble (Title Partner), Cincinnati Reds, Kroger, ArtsWave, Agar , Coca Cola, Fifth Third Bank, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, PNC Bank , Cintas, JP Morgan Chase, Urban Sites

Register for FREE tickets at paloozanoire.com.

During the Civil War, emancipation occurred at different times, with the Union army responsible for enforcing President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, outlawing slavery in the states in rebellion against the Union.  

“The battles freed the slaves,” says Morgan.

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery, recognizing the day when enslaved people were freed in Texas, more than two years after Lincoln’s executive order. The date of June 19th became a day of commemoration and celebration for “Jubilee Day,” first in Texas and then throughout the country.

This year, for the first time, Juneteenth is an official, paid holiday in Hamilton County, commemorated on Friday, June 18. The date, and celebration, have always been significant, but this year is different.

“More than just Black people are paying attention to it,” says Morgan. She credits last summer’s marches for George Floyd and the call for police reforms with creating a tipping point.

“People are more aware of Juneteenth and celebrating it,” she says. 

While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, Morgan points out that in the years immediately following the Civil War, it was a struggle for former slaves to know exactly what they were free to do.

“We talk about the legacy and the story of freedom,” she says, “Which we are still figuring out.”

Though Reconstruction following the Civil War was short-lived, in that 10-year period African Americans made huge progress, making strides in politics and professional careers, Morgan says. But the anger and resentment of white men who help power led to criminalizing being Black, including Jim Crow laws and racial violence.

“We still see those consequences to this day,” Morgan says.

After all of the many struggles and tribulations people faced this past year, Morgan thinks people feel the need to celebrate more than ever.  

“We’re happy to be free,” she says, “And have the opportunity to come back together for the celebration this year.”

Events & Celebration

June 1 was the official start of the 34th Annual Juneteenth Festival, with a flag raising near the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art Climb.

The “Wade in the Water” program on June 13 on the banks of the Ohio River pays homage to the role that water has played in the journey into, out of, and beyond enslavement.

If You Go

Wade in the Water
Sunday, June 13, 3 p.m.
Near Smale Park and The Freedom Center

Join Juneteenth Cincinnati in recognizing the significant role of water in the 400-year history of African enslavement and the quest for freedom.

All are invited to participate in this simple, symbolic dance. Participants are asked to wear white with an accent of color (sash, a scarf, jewelry, etc.).

Find out more at juneteenthcincinnati.org/wade.

This week, two additional flag raisings will be held – Thursday, June 17 at 11 a.m. at the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government, 138 E. Court St. and Friday, June 18 at 10 a.m. at City Hall, 801 Plum Street.

A block party at The Banks on Friday, June 18 features music, food, art, and fireworks. Created by Paloozanoire, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of Midwestern Black professionals, the event also includes a Black Woman's entrepreneurial networking zone.

On Sunday, June 20, Juneteenth Cincinnati will hold a virtual concert, broadcast on Fox19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with performances from Ms. Jaz, Rhythm of Soul Band, Meme & Juneteenth Steppers and others. At noon, the Father’s Day concert features the Charles Fold Singer, Sheilia Moore-Piper and more singers.

“I want people to come away feeling that truth is a celebration in America,” Morgan says. “I want people to understand that Juneteenth is a holiday everyone can celebrate. The more we confront the negative aspects of our history, the better our country will be.”

For more information about Juneteenth Cincinnati, visit www.juneteenthcincinnati.org.

–Tricia Suit

Summer Babe

Summer can be more than pool parties and video games in the A/C. Summer camps and other programs can help your kids learn new skills and bolster their creative interests. Plus you may even find something for the whole family to enjoy!

Camp Art Academy 

Art is more exciting when you color outside the lines! Give your kids an outside-the-box arts experience that will help them sow the seeds of creativity and grow their futures. At the in-person Camp Art Academy, children receive an award-winning arts education while exploring their creativity and making new friends within a diverse and inclusive community.

June 14–18: A Galaxy Far Away…

June 21–25: Pop Culture Madness!

July 5–9: Abstract Throwback: It's 1980!

July 12–16: Curtain Call: Theatre as Storytelling

July 19–23: Comics and Cartoons: Create Your World

See details and register at www.artacerademy.edu/com-ed/summer-art-camp/summer-art-camp.

Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson St., www.artacademy.edu.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Artist Workshop
Visitors of all ages are welcome to learn about techniques and materials used by professional artists in these fun, educational, and hands-on workshops. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. Students under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled in the class.

Third Saturdays, 1–3 p.m. General Admission: $12. Members: $6. Reservations Required.

Studio Classes
Become a better artist with these weekly studio classes, built on traditional art-making techniques, for students of all ages and abilities. Classes will meet every Thursday night for a month in the Rosenthal Education Center. Monthly registration only. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. Students under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled in the class.

Thursdays, 6–7:45 p.m. Members: $40. General Public: $80. Reservations Required.

Register at www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/events-programs/families-teens/family-programs. 

Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org.

Cincinnati Ballet Summer Dance Programs

Youth Summer Intensive
June 21 – July 30

For six weeks, students step into a professional company environment where they benefit from full days of dance, the support of world-class faculty and a community of like-minded peers. Three-week sessions are also available.
Acceptance is by audition only for students ages 12 and up.

Kids Dance Camp

Each week-long experience explores an overall theme through ballet classes and activities led by professional faculty. For students ages 5-8. Placement based on age. Former dance experience not required.

See program dates and tuition at cballet.org/academy/summer-dance-programs. 

Cincinnati Ballet, 1555 Central Parkway, cballet.org.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Summer Museum Camps
Explore science, technology, history, and the arts through creative activities and games at Cincinnati Museum Center’s fun and educational Museum Camps. All camps include an afternoon snack and days full of exciting educational activities, including science experiments, crafts, group projects, games, and more. Summer Camps are sold by the week.

See the weekly schedule at www.cincymuseum.org/museum-camps. 

Super Sprouts
Create a masterpiece with your little one Mondays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 pm.. Super Sprouts is an art program for children 5 and younger, offered twice a week in The Children’s Museum's Super Sprouts Classroom. Drop in and stay as long as you like while learning about different artists, cultures, art movements, and artistic styles from around the world. Free for Members or with Museum admission.

For details, visit www.cincymuseum.org/super-sprouts. 

The Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., www.cincymuseum.org. The Children’s Museum re-opens July 1.

Cincinnati Zoo

Summer Camps
Explore the Zoo, experience nature, and discover the excitement and wonder of animals. Hikes in the Zoo, visits from animal ambassadors, crafts, train rides, and so much more. Camps run until August 13.

Learn more at cincinnatizoo.org/education/camps-classes/zoo-camp.

Zoo Troop
The 4-week series classes for toddlers through eighth graders develop curiosity, create empathy, encourage healthy social skills, and grow self-esteem. Participants are immersed in fun, educational, wildlife-rich experiences designed to develop knowledge and life skills. They will explore a new interactive topic each series. Zoo Troop fosters caring, confident, and inspiring young people who know and love the wild world around them.

See the dates and register at cincinnatizoo.org/education/camps-classes-zoo-troop.

Zoo Family Day Programs
Family Programs are great fun for the whole family to enjoy together, throughout the year, and during the day or in the evening.

See the programs at cincinnatizoo.org/education/kids-families. 

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., cincinnatizoo.org.

Clifton Cultural Arts Center Summer Camps

Visual Arts Camps

• Cartoon Camp – Ages 8-12 (June 28 – July 2)

• Dragons, Fairies, and Fantasy Art Camp – Ages 8-12

• My First Summer Camp – Ages 3-5

• Installation Art Camp – Ages 6-12

• Safari Art Camp – Ages 8-12

• Under the Sea Art Camp – Ages 8-12

Music Camps

• Ukulele for Kids and Teens! – Ages 8-15 (June 14 – 18)

• Ukulele for Kids and Teens! – Ages 8-15 (July 12 – 16)

Details and registration at cliftonculturalarts.org/classes/summer-camps. 

Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 2728 Short Vine St., cliftonculturalarts.org.

Contemporary Arts Center

Thursday Art Play
Join the creative playtime on Thursday mornings through Washington Park's Pop-Up Play series. The program uses hands-on art making activities and yoga to excite and educate our youngest visitors. Registration is recommended, however there are a few drop-in spots available each week. Art Play is designed for children ages 3-8 and their parents or caregivers, though older and younger siblings are welcome.

See complete schedule at www.contemporaryartscenter.org/programs/family-programs/thursday-art-play 

Family Festival
Guest artists and educators with a talent for creative learning have developed unique art and science projects geared specifically for families. Projects use unusual materials and processes that artists of all ages can enjoy.

This is a free program, but registration is required at www.contemporaryartscenter.org/programs/family-programs/family-festival.

Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., www.contemporaryartscenter.org.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

Summer Camps
ETC camps and classes ignite students’ imaginations through the collaborative process of theatre, empower them as creative thinkers, and support their development as artists and young adults.

It is a unique chance for aspiring artists who are eager to participate in theatre but who may prefer working behind the scenes. Students leave equipped with a strong foundation of acting and production skills along with practical training.

View classes and schedules at ensemblecincinnati.org/camps-classes. Scholarships are available.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St., ensemblecincinnati.org

Great Parks of Hamilton County

Bike Rodeo at Miami Whitewater Forest

Friday, June 11, 1– 3 p.m. 

Meet the Great Parks of Hamilton County Rangers and learn about bike safety. This free, two-hour event is for kids ages 4–12 and includes many fun activities, contests, education stations, and a helmet giveaway. Kids should bring their own bikes and helmets. Due to COVID-19 precautions, this is a pre-registered event with 12 available registrations every 20 minutes. Supplies and sizes are limited but will be available during each time slot. Register at https://www.greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/bike-rodeo. 

Free (register by Jun 9), though there are parking fees at the park.

Miami Whitewater Forest. 9001 Mt. Hope Road, www.greatparks.org/parks/miami-whitewater-forest.

Newport Aquarium

Summer Camp WAVE

A day camp experience for students who have completed grades K-8, Camp WAVE gives campers the chance to meet sharks, penguins, and stingrays up close while exploring aquatic wonders, from cruising alongside Antarctic penguins to celebrating innovations in science and engineering. 

An optional after-care is available from 4-5 p.m.

See camp dates and register at wavefoundation.org/education/campwave/summer-camp. 

Newport Aquarium, One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY, www.newportaquarium.com

Taft Museum of Art

Summer Fun with Take-Home Art Kits
Grab one of the Take-Home Art Kits and enjoy art activities at home to complete with family and friends. Each kit comes with instructions and supplies for five art projects. You can choose your kit based on your child's grade level. Kits are available for grades 1–3, 4–6, and 7–12. Purchase the kit online and pick them up at the Taft Museum of Art. To learn more and purchase, visit www.taftmuseum.org/families-children/summer-camp. 

The Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike Street, www.taftmuseum.org.

Wyoming Fine Arts Center Summer Camps

The Wyoming Fine Arts Center offers numerous in-person and online camps each week, beginning June 14 and continuing until August. The Center is also offering a Supervised Lunch program during the summer.

See all of the classes and details at musicartdance.org/camps. 

Wyoming Fine Arts Center, 322 Wyoming Ave., musicartdance.org.

– Kamellia Smith

New Kids on the Block

Earlier this year, ArtWorks moved from its longtime home in Over-the-Rhine to a larger space in the heart of East Walnut Hills.

If You Go

Opening Reception: Student Power
V² Gallery,  901 E. McMillan St. 
Friday May 28 from 4-7 p.m.

First gallery opening and open house for ArtWorks new space. Exhibit continues through July 31.

The new building has given ArtWorks the space to open the V² Gallery, devoted to young emerging artists. This will also allow ArtWorks to start at gallery residency program for youth, ages 16 – 23, to learn how to create art and prepare for their first ever gallery exhibit. 

The gallery shares similarities with ArtWorks’ apprentice program. Through the Youth Artist Exhibition Program, young artists will work with lead artists to learn techniques from lead artists and create their own individual works to develop a group show. The young artists will develop artist statements, titles, descriptions of work and pricing. They will also have the opportunity to meet with local curators, collectors and museum partners as part of their professional development.

ArtWorks is perhaps best known for its public art murals and its youth apprentice program. Since the mural program began in 2007, ArtWorks has created more than 200 murals throughout the city. During that time more than 3,500 youths and 3,000 professional artists have completed more than 12,000 public and private art projects.

Photo by Walter German

The inaugural exhibit, Student Power, led by artist Terence Hammonds, features the work of eight emerging artists, exploring student protest movements and issues that these artists care about to express the role of youth in social change, all on printed materials, including handmade ceramics, prints and more.

Hammonds, Cincinnati native, is a printmaker whose work is informed and inspired by the struggles and determination of African Americans seeking equality during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and fuses imagery from that era with soul, funk, rap and punk music. He previously worked with ArtWorks for the New Lines project. In partnership with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, ArtWorks created a series of 12 small murals in Over-the-Rhine in the area bordered by Main, 13th, Sycamore and Liberty Streets. 

The ArtWorks V² Gallery is made possible through the generosity of V², also known as Vandell Verdona, a collaboration between longtime ArtWorks supporters Sara and Michelle Vance Waddell and Ron Houck and David Nebel. 

Back on Board

“My initial motivation was to try to help make the city a place people wanted to be be and not leave,” says Tyson Betts, Design Vice President–Right Brain to the Business, Global Family Care + P&G Ventures at The Procter & Gamble Co. “Arts work was an ideal way for me to do that,”

Get Involved

An information session for prospective applicants and employers will be held on May 25 at 4 p.m. via livestream. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up now.

Boardway Bound applications are due June 15. Applicants from all backgrounds and career stages are welcome. ArtsWave encourages diverse candidateas at all career levels, with the goal of ensuring that the programs and practices of the region’s arts and cultural organizations are reflective of our entire community.

Visit artswave.org/boardwaybound for more information or to apply.

Betts, who is on the board of both ArtsWave and Elementz, participated in Boardway Bound, ArtsWave’s signature nonprofit arts board leadership and development program more than a decade ago. But the information he gained from it are still useful to him today.

“Even if you have an understanding of business,” he says, “Boardway Bound has a ton of nuances that train you for nonprofits.”

Boardway Bound returns this fall in time for the restart of many performing arts events after a year of pandemic-related closures.

The acclaimed program which includes board placement as a key component has been in place since 2004, matching nearly 400 individuals from local companies with more than 100 arts organizations that make up the Cincinnati region. It’s not uncommon that a majority of board members in some regional organizations are Boardway Bound alumni. The networking component, which has been a hallmark of Boardway Bound, has been expanded this year to include several additional opportunities with alumni from the program. Networking activities are sponsored by Thompson Hine LLP.

“We are looking for people who want to offer service to the arts,” says Ray Gargano, vice president of Community Investments for ArtsWave. “The networking component is a great way to get involved with the whole arts community.”

Boardway Bound attracts professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the region. The program provides all the tools necessary to become a successful arts board volunteer, while offering a unique peer learning environment across companies, and the chance to interact with Greater Cincinnati’s arts professionals. For ArtsWave, the program is an important strategy in advancing an overall objective to increase the diversity of board leadership across the entire arts landscape.

“Together, we can see how we can make a better Cincinnati,” says Gargano.

May As Well Sing

If you believe the legend, Music Hall was built because Reuben R. Springer, a Cincinnati businessman and philanthropist, wanted the city to have a proper place to hear choral music after a hailstorm ruined a performance of Lohengrin during the Cincinnati Musical Festival.

From that evening, the May Festival and Music Hall grew to become beloved Cincinnati institutions, placing the city on the choral and cultural map. With an all-volunteer chorus of 130 members, renowned guest performers Elliot Madore, Davóne Tines and Joélle Harvey, along with the incomparable Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the May Festival returns to the Music Hall stage once again.

“Because choral singing has been identified as one of the riskiest activities during the pandemic, choral singers and audience members have been almost completely without opportunities to sing in person together or attend live performances for the past year,” says Cat Dixon, director of advancement and engagement for the May Festival. “There is definitely excitement about coming back to Music Hall for the May Festival this year–It feels like a first step back to normal.”

The 2021 May Festival will present five performances between May 21 and 30. Nearly every work programmed will be a Festival premiere, and many of the soloists, Sara Couden, Elliot Madore, Sophia Burgos, Sasha Cooke, Davóne Tines and Joélle Harvey will be making their May Festival debuts.

Fittingly for this uncertain time, the May Festival brings to the stage a number of heartfelt works for its opening weekend on May 21 and 22. Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer, sung by baritone Elliot Madore, explores loss and love. The May Festival Chorus will reunite to perform three of Holst’s hymns on texts from the Rig Veda, the oldest scripture of the Hindu religion.

“Chorus members speak of the May Festival as their second family, and I know they are aching to be back with the whole group,” says Dixon. “We’ve kept them in touch with each other by hosting virtual meetings and holiday parties. Robert Porco (May Festival director of choruses ) has personally called every member of the chorus at least twice over the course of the pandemic – just to check in and see how they are faring.”

If You Go

Opening Weekend
Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22,
7:30 p.m.

Juanjo Mena, conductor
Sara Couden, contralto
Elliot Madore, baritone
Festival Tenor and Bass Ensemble
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Anton Bruckner: Adagio from String Quintet in F Major

Julia Perry: Stabat Mater

Gustav Mahler, arr. Schoenberg: Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (“Songs of a Wayfarer”)

Gustav Holst: Selections from Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Group 4, H. 100

Voice and Verse
Friday, May 28, 7:30 p.m.

Robert Porco, conductor
Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano
Sophia Burgos, soprano
Davóne Tines, baritone
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Aaron Copland: Selections from Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson
John Adams: The Wound-Dresser
Maria Schneider: Selections from Winter Morning Walks

Hearts and Voices Soar
Saturday, May 29, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 30, 2:30 p.m.

Juanjo Mena, conductor
May Festival Soprano and Alto Ensemble
Joélle Harvey, soprano
Paul Appleby, tenor
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Gustav Mahler: Adagietto from Symphony No. 5
Benjamin Britten: The Illuminations
Franz Schubert: Selected Songs
Gustav Holst: Selections from Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Group 2, H. 98
Reena Esmail: Selections from I Rise: Women in Song.

For the Voice and Verse program on Friday, May 28, Davóne Tines, an inspiration to composers like John Adams, expertly connects the composer’s music with Walt Whitman’s timeless perspective on loving and caring for others, The Wound Dresser. Two-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke sings the words of Emily Dickinson, a poet who lived in near total isolation from the outside world, an isolation that may feel all too familiar for many people after the past year.

“I definitely think that the return of the May Festival feels like a return to community, but it has a deeper meaning for our Chorus,” says Dixon. “Singers are there for each other through births, marriages, deaths, and everything else, and the past year has been no different. But, it’s just harder without the regularly weekly rehearsals we had before the pandemic.”

During the closing performances, Hearts and Voices Soar on May 28 and 29, the heartfelt works continue as Principal Conductor Juanjo Mena and the CSO join the May Festival. A famous love letter here, some of Schubert’s spellbinding songs there, and the soprano Joélle Harvey tackling Benjamin Britten’s mystical work The Illuminations. The May Festival will conclude with the sopranos and altos of the May Festival Chorus joining together to sing two ethereal hymns from Holst’s Rig Veda and selections from Los Angeles composer Reena Esmail’s I Rise: Women in Song, inspired by female authors whose words, thoughts and actions have shaped our world.

“Coming together to sing is a monumental step in reconnecting people,” says Harry Cecil, May Festival 2020 choral conducting fellow, who is singing in this year’s festival. “Despite our differences in ideas, backgrounds, and cultures, singing the same note at the same time evokes a harmony beyond the designated music, it evokes what could and should be--living in harmony together.”

–Tricia Suit

Forget-Me-Nots

The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. It has been since Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation in 1914 designating that exact day a national holiday to honor mothers.

So it’s totally understandable if you forgot.

It’s too late to order flowers, make brunch reservations, or whip up a delectable dessert. You need a gift right now.

Luckily, flowers, food, and fancy treats are easily found in Cincinnati today.

Rather than ordering flowers from a website, how about going with mom to create a special bouquet together? Daisy Jane’s Flower Bar, 772 E McMillan St. in Walnut Hills, is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You will also find Daisy Jane’s adorable Flower Trucks at West Side Brewing from 12–3 p.m. on Sunday 12-3 and at services in Citygate in Lebanon.

Whether in-store or on location, you will find gorgeous spring flowers and expert help to put together a truly one-of-a-kind gift, made locally and with lots of love.

If you were hoping to take mom out for brunch, maybe you can give her a raincheck for day other than the busiest brunch day of the year. Frisch’s Big Boy is offering the mother of all gift card deals – for every $25 in gift cards purchased through May 9, mom will receive an additional $5 Frisch’s gift card to be used from May 10 to June 22. That gives you plenty of time to celebrate!

Plus, it’s officially strawberry season at Frisch’s, so you can give her a treat along with her gift card. From the Strawberries & Cream Frappe, strawberry puree with Ghirardelli's classic Frappe and cold brew coffee to their famous Strawberry PieBaby, an individual-sized pie shell with fresh strawberries in a flavorful glaze, you’ll be the apple of mom’s eye by giving her these strawberry specialties.

Can’t decide between candy and flowers? Choose both with dark chocolate tulips from Chocolats Latour, 4037 Hamilton Ave., open Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Owner and creator Shalini Latour comes by her love of chocolate genetically. Her mother is from Belgium and she grew up with an appreciation for Belgian chocolates. Now uses fair trade chocolate, combined with with local ingredients to create gorgeous, hand-crafted candy.

From geographically influenced–Ohio Valley, Provence Noire, and Hollywood–to seasonal flavors–Spring Fling and Dark Summer–Chocolats Latour offers untraditional takes on the candy bar. But you’ll also find hand painted truffles, and Fleur De Sel Caramels, plus chocolates filled with with ganache, caramel and fruit centers.

Be mom’s favorite today with help from some great local shops!

Walk the Walk

The Cincinnati Art Museum opened its Art Climb on May 7, 2020. Since then, this civic and arts space has become a place for visitors to reflect and enjoy art and activity. When the museum’s in-gallery operations were temporarily halted to support public health during the pandemic, the outdoor landscape welcomed and connected the community.

The Museum is celebrating the Art Climb’s one-year anniversary with special programs and events all week long.

Last Days of Duveneck
May 4–9, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

The Cincinnati Art Museum will host the final days of the much beloved Frank Duveneck: American Master exhibition, which closes May 9. Advanced tickets/registration are required and sell-outs are expected. The exhibition opened on Dec. 18 and was extended in March. $5–10, free for members.

10x10 Teen Art Expo
May 4–9, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays)

This exhibit features 100 artworks from talented, young artists in grades 7–12 from a number of Greater Cincinnati schools. The project was organized by the 10x10 Team of volunteer teen art enthusiasts from around the city. The 10x10 Teen Art Expo is supported by US Bank. Free. Advanced registration is required.

Lunch Break on the Art Climb
Thursday, May 6, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Take a break and help Cincinnati Art Museum celebrates its recent recognition as a 2021 finalist for a National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  Kabobske, La Orangette, Pretzelfuls, and Graeter’s Ice Cream will have food for sale, while you enjoy music from DJ Arie. Special giveaways include cookies from Davis Cookie Collective, Art Climb water bottles, and gift certificates to the museum’s Terrace Café and Gift Shop. Snap a picture in the photo booth and share a museum story on the museum’s social media or website.

CCO2GO | CCO + Cincinnati Art Museum: Music @ The Climb
Saturday, May 8, 3–4 p.m.

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art Climb with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. The free concert features musicians performing on various landings among the 164 steps, including three quartet/quintets (strings, brass and winds) and a solo cellist. While safely social distancing, visitors are encouraged to move up and down the Art Climb and enjoy brief musical works.

Those who wish to visit the museum before or after the performance are asked to reserve tickets at cincinnatiartmuseum.org/visit.

Please note: The safety of the CCO musicians and guests is paramount. The CCO maintains social distancing for their musicians’ and patrons’ safety. Please be cautious and wear a mask to protect not only the musicians, but your fellow community members as you enjoy this unique musical experience.

Rosenthal Education Center (REC) Reopening
May 8–Oct. 31

After a brief closure (May 1–7), the family-friendly interactive space in the Cincinnati Art Museum welcomes a new installation by Christian Schmit, multimedia artist and educator, the 2021 Artist in Residence. Free. Advanced registration is required.

Adopt-a-Bee Program
May 3–31 (online)

Bee Inspired. Bee Vibrant. Bee Connected. Cincinnati Art Museum installed two new beehives on the museum grounds in a partnership with the Queen City Pollinator Project.

For $5, you can name one of the 60,000 bees who will reside in the museum’s two hives. Learn more at cincinnatiartmuseum.org/bees.

Taking Center Stage

Abby Marcus has a new role with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. With experience at theaters around the country, Marcus will be the managing director at the Playhouse beginning later this summer.

She succeeds Buzz Ward, who is retiring after 29 years at the Playhouse and will become Managing Director Emeritus.

Currently, Marcus is managing director of The Orchard Project, a multidisciplinary artist residency program in Saratoga Springs, NY. She has also served as managing director of CalArts Center for New Performance in Los Angeles and as finance director at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, NY, where she helped oversee their $32 million capital expansion project.

“Abby is the next generation of arts leadership – creative, innovative and inclusive,” says Blake Robison, the Playhouse’s artistic director. “Her financial acumen and strategic thinking will help lead us into a new era as we emerge from the pandemic and expand our work with all parts of the greater Cincinnati community. I am excited to welcome Abby and look forward to partnering with her.”

In addition to her finance and management background, Marcus serves as a creative producer of Vampire Cowboys, an OBIE Award-winning theatre company in New York City. She has held previous leadership positions at NYC's Baryshnikov Arts Center, the Dramatists Guild of America and the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis.

Marcus arrives at a transformational moment in Playhouse history, as the company begins construction on its $49.5 million theatre complex. The new 539-seat mainstage, Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre, includes new rehearsal rooms, costume shop and backstage areas. It will expand what can be done on stage with state-of-the art theatre technology and joins the previously renovated Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre to create a fully modernized Playhouse for generations to come.

“I am thrilled to join the Playhouse and to support Blake, the Board, and the staff of this nationally regarded institution as we bring live performances back to the community and create a beautiful new home for the future,” says Marcus. “It is not every day that one has the opportunity to engage with an organization that has been so well-managed for so many years. Together, we will build on the Playhouse’s many successes and continue to grow in the years to come.”

Fight of the Bumblebee

Sylvana Ross, Carrie Driehaus, and Jenny O’Donnell of Queen City Pollinator Project

Spring is an especially glorious time in the Ohio Valley. Lush green grass, gorgeous flowers, and blossoming trees make every venture outside a feast for the senses.

Now imagine spring without the blossoms.

“Approximately 80 percent of flowering plants on earth rely on pollinators for reproduction,” says Carrie Driehaus, one of the founders of the Queen City Pollinator Project (QCPP).

“But honeybee keepers see annual losses of about 40% of their colonies. Native pollinators on the endangered species list and humans are largely responsible,” she says.

Adopt A Bee

From May 3 to 31, you can adopt a bee at the Cincinnati Art Museum for a $5 or $10 donation.

Each donation provides an opportunity to name one of the 60,000 bees who will reside in the museum’s two hives. Additional contests will allow the public to vote for names of the queen bees. All funds raised will support the museum’s community wellness initiatives.

 Visit www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/bees for more information.

Seeing a need for more education, Driehaus, along with Jenny O’Donnell and Sylvana Ross, developed the QCPP. The trio of friends is working to unite the city around pollinator support and protection and provide education and resources to conserve pollinator diversity. QCPP uses honeybee hives as a model for education, while focusing on native pollinators in our efforts for conservation.

The Cincinnati Art Museum’s focus on community wellness makes it an excellent partner for QCPP. This month two new beehives are being installed on museum grounds. Since pollinators are a vital part of a balanced ecosystem, bringing in honeybees can help the health of the entire community. 

“Urban spaces provide a unique opportunity to support pollinators, as well as create educational opportunities for all involved,” says Driehaus. “We are sure everyone who sees the bees will be ‘pollen’ in love.”

The Women’s Committee of the Cincinnati Art Museum is the hive sponsor and the program is supported by the museum’s Green Team made up of museum staff members.

The hives will be in the pollinator garden on the west side of the building. Additional hives may be added in the future. These “friendly” bees which rarely sting can travel up to three miles from their hive, so the museum’s bees may be seen all over the city.

In future years, sweet success with the program might mean the museum bees produce honey to use and sell. This could mean future Terrace Café recipes highlighting honey and some jars to purchase in the Museum Shop. Community programs will be developed, and opportunities to educate and inspire with bees from artworks in the museum’s permanent collection are underway.

–Tricia Suit

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About Queen City Pollinator Project (QCPP)

QCPP challenges businesses in Greater Cincinnati to become community leaders in environmental sustainability and challenges every citizen to take action to protect and support pollinators in their own yards. Learn more at  queencitypollinatorproject.org.

Silence Is Golden

While being surrounded by books during a pandemic seems like a great idea, being a library where people come in to borrow those books is less than ideal.

In 2020, the Mercantile Library transformed how it brought together its vibrant community of readers, taking lively book discussions and dynamic author online. This once staid institution has a found a way to maintain its strong circle of book lovers while expanding the idea of what that community could be.

John Faherty has been the director of the Mercantile Library for the past six years. During that time membership grew to its largest since the Civil War. With free events ranging from member-led book discussions to musical performances, the Mercantile was a congenial stop for people who love music, history, Cincinnati, and, of course, literature. 

Faherty clearly relishes the job. In front of the old numbered volumes of books that line the shelves in his office is a huge frame with several photos possibly taken at the Mill Creek in the 1920s that has mysteriously just appeared. Giant wooden windows open, with binoculars on the sill to watch peregrines, it is the opposite of the sleek modern work space.

In conversation Faherty ricochets between talking about what 2020 was like, his latest favorite Mercantile event, and what the future of the library holds. He is quick to credit the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Mercantile staff to adapt established programs, experiment with new ones, and reinvent what it means to bring readers together.

Mercantile Librarians: Chris Messick, Al Lloyd, Hillary Copsey, John Faherty, Jasmine Griffin, Cedric Rose, and Amy Hunter. © 2019 AES Photography

“People watched TV, they cooked, and they read books,” Faherty says. “Even though we were closed, we had to find a way to be there for them.”

Initially, Hillary Copsey, the Mercantile’s book advisor, missed the simple camaraderie of talking to her co-workers about what they were reading. That grew into discovering new ways to have those conversations.

In those early days of isolation, the librarians found people were gravitating toward comfort reads, revisiting old favorites. The Mercantile experimented with Facebook discussions as way to engage members and fans. While that ultimately wasn’t the best method – they found people didn’t “listen” so much as think about what to type next – they developed other ways to deepen those conversations.

“We found that people were grateful for community,” says Hillary Copsey, the Mercantile’s book advisor. “People were alone in their houses and they wanted to talk about books.”

The Mercantile’s calendar, always crowded, somehow was even more packed in the past year. A few years ago, the Mercantile made all but a few of its programs and events free.

“That was a game changer for us,” Faherty says. This approach diversified their audience, increased accessibility to programs, and made it easier to deal with pandemic-related changes. 

Having the unlimited space of the internet allowed the librarians to try new things. Some of those worked and some will be re-worked. Though not all of the new genre discussions – romance, fantasy, YA, etc. – were full, they did reinforce one belief. Each talk was led by a genre enthusiast, and even when sparsely attended, people were excited to be around people who cared about the same things.

Since 2016, the Mercantile has held a discussion group that tackles Big Books–think War and Peace, The Count of Monte Cristo, and now Anna Karenina. These 800- to 900-page tomes are classics that even the most devoted reader would find intimidating. But during the pandemic the Big Books discussion got too big. 

The group grew to 60 people. 

To facilitate better interaction, the group was split in half. Moving forward, it’s not hard to imagine keeping the discussion to two distinct group, having one one in-person and one online.

“We found this web of community developed,” Copsey says. One attendee reconnected with a high school friend and a former teacher via an online group. The virtual discussion also allowed members who had taken refuge out of town to still be a part of Mercantile events or invite far-flung family or friends to join discussions.

While going online allowed more people to discover the Mercantile and participate in programs, staying online may be a way to keep that momentum going. Whether people are on vacation, don’t want to bother with driving and parking, or are more comfortable staying home, everyone still has an opportunity for connection and community.

One event that isn’t free is the Niehoff Lecture, the Mercantile’s annual fundraiser. This signature event, begun in 1986, celebrates the most respected contemporary writers, and includes Margaret Atwood, Julia Child, Seamus Heaney, Zadie Smith, and Bob Woodward among its alumni. Erik Larson was tapped to be the 2020 speaker. 

But all of that changed and the event was reinvented as Half-Baked: A Virtual Gala. While the evening was still a benefit for the Mercantile it also helped local restaurants. Guests received “half-baked” meals from Abigail Street, Jean-Robert’s Table,  Salazar,  Sotto/Domo, or Via Vite, finished them at home, then followed an online link to a conversation between Faherty and Curtis Sittenfeld as the guest. Dress was black tie or pajamas, or some combination.

“As a fundraiser, while we got half the pie, the pie was bigger,” Faherty says. “And it made us feel like part of the community.”

“Despite people at being home, it still managed to feel like a party,” he says.

Having a 10,000 year lease at its Walnut Street location and a generous endowment, allowed the Mercantile flexibility during pandemic. Though membership numbers have dropped in the past year, Faherty isn’t worried. 

“People renew when they visit,” Faherty says. “And we know they want to come back.”

–Tricia Suit

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Find out more about the Mercantile Library at mercantilelibrary.com.

Book Your Next Trip

From taking a road trip to planning your next international adventure, books are a great way to both do your research and find some inspiration.

The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has an extensive travel section of traditional and ebooks. Steph Cooper, the Collection Development Librarian, assembled a terrific list so you can imagine a getaway when you feel ready to get away.

50 States, 5,000 Ideas
Joseph R. Yogerst
https://cinlib.org/2ObMEUu 

So maybe international travel is exceptionally difficult right now, but how lucky are we in America to have such a vast array of places to visit right here. If you need some inspiration picking your next vacation destination, this book has more than enough to offer.

See You at the Campground
Stephanie Puglisi
https://cinlib.org/3ubn7ds 

Camping is more popular than ever, and for good reason. It’s suitable for newbies, pros, all types of budgets, and can offer the best relaxation in the world and also some of the best adrenaline producing experiences. Puglisi and her husband bought a pop-up camper and hit the road with their young twins. It had a massive positive effect on their lives and inspired more outdoor adventures. They compiled this fun list of hacks and tips that inspire family bonding and exploration.

#wanderlust: The World's 500 Most Unforgettable Travel Destinations
Sabina Trojanova
https://cinlib.org/31Gv0eN 

Interested in some of the trendier destinations out there? Hoping for the perfect Insta photo? Then this one’s for you. Geared toward Gen Zers and Millennials, this book has tips, tricks, and destination ideas for any budget.

Love is an Ex-country
Randa Jarrar
https://cinlib.org/39vLM4I 

Road trips are one of the simple joys of life, but what about driving across America as a queer, Muslim, proudly fat, Arab America? Jarrar shares tales of her journey from California to Connecticut. Even though she encounters some truly nasty people along the way, she encouragingly finds her joy. 

Four Lost Cities
Annalee Newitz 
https://cinlib.org/2PpA8kU 

Newitz’s travelogue is a bit different, considering none of the cities she visits still exist as they once were. Are these ancient civilizations given enough credit for their contributions to the strides in societal evolution? What can be learned from the archaeologists who study them? Anyone who likes to travel in search of gaining a greater understanding of history just may get inspired by this adventure.

Fodor's Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel: Practical Tips and Information for the Age of COVID-19 and Other Pandemics
Fodor's Travel Guides, WebMD
https://cinlib.org/31zPDt4 
(eBook-only, available from the library)

Travel certainly is a different experience than it used to be, and it likely will be different for a while. So how do we travel safely? Experts from the medical field and the travel field, teamed up and compiled advice on how to keep us moving about.

– Steph Cooper

Home Field Advantage

After a difficult year in which the travel industry ground to a halt, the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is looking ahead with a new slate of regional leaders and advocates to serve on its board of directors.

“Over the past several years, we’ve made a concerted effort to restructure our Board of Directors with influential decision-makers and game-changers,” said CVB President & CEO Julie Calvert. “We’ve built a proactive group of well-connected advocates who are all committed to elevating our hospitality industry and amplifying the strategic vision of the CVB.”

CVB membership elected a ballot of new and returning board directors. That includes the naming of Jeff Berding as Board Chair. Berding is President and GM of Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati and a former executive with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was also elected to three terms on Cincinnati City Council. Berding replaces Mario San Marco, who served as CVB Board Chair since 2018.

The CVB’s new officers are:

• Jeff Berding, FC Cincinnati, Chair

• Agnes Godwin Hall, Macy’s, Vice Chair

• Paul Silva, Eagle Realty Group, Secretary-Treasurer

The CVB’s new At-Large Directors are:

• Jeff Berding

• Alecia Kintner, President & CEO, ArtsWave

• Akiva Freeman, Office, Manufacturing & Logistics Manager, Kroger

 New Designated Directors are:

• Adam Gelter, Executive Vice President, Development at 3CDC

• Bobby Spann, Vice President, External Affairs for the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

• Joe Pinto, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

• Brendon Cull, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber

And Renewing Directors are:

• Mike Conway, Chairman & Chief Portfolio Officer for Winegardner & Hammons Hotel Group

• Eric Kearney, President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce

• Karen Forgus, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Cincinnati Reds

• Tim Zeis from the Greater Cincinnati Sports Corp.

“We’ve also created a Board that is representative of our diverse base of members and stakeholders,” said Calvert. “I’m grateful for the leaders who have stepped up during this critical recovery time for the CVB and our hospitality industry.”

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Visit www.cincyusa.com for more. 2021 Annual Meeting and 2020 Annual Report are posted at www.cincyusa.com/2021meeting

Simply the Best

While the city gets ready for Opening Day–traditionally a day for skipping work, watching a truly one-of-a-kind parade, and cheering on our beloved Reds to victory 47% of the time–in this strange time, we are all looking forward to a new baseball season.

“I’m looking forward to seeing fans in and around the ballpark wearing their favorite Reds gear and feeling connected to one of the great traditions that brings the community together,” says Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. “The great tradition that is Opening Day in Cincinnati brings excitement and hope to the region that this could be the year that the hometown Reds bring home a championship.”

With each championship comes a new pennant. The concept of a baseball team winning a pennant is well known to sports fans. But what exactly is a “pennant” and when did baseball teams decide to start chasing them? What were the first pennants made from and in what sport did they make their debut?

Root the Reds Home presented by Dinsmore is a new exhibition of Reds souvenir pennants and stadium banners highlighting the origins of pennants and their evolution over the years. This exhibition also highlights the origins of pennants and their evolution over the years.

“It’s hard to choose a favorite pennant, but the one from 1919, the year the Reds won their first World Championship, stands out to me – for its significance, the wool material, and the fact that it is the oldest pennant we possess,” says Walls.

You can see the 1919 pennant along with more than 200 historic Reds pennants from the team’s championship seasons plus other banners from memorable events such as the 1988 All-Star Game in Cincinnati and the Reds’ tour of Japan in 1978.

“Fans will recognize some of the pennants perhaps from their own personal collections, maybe hanging on the wall in the basement or tucked away in storage somewhere,” says Walls. “They’ll be surprised by the number of pennants on display, which is nearly every pennant ever made related to the Reds, and the fact that the large championship banners hanging from the ceiling are the actual banners that hung at Riverfront Stadium. 

“If you have a pennant that isn’t on display, we’d love to hear about it!” says Walls.

–Tricia Suit

Building on Success

The Board of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) announced the formation and the co-chairs of the new 2046 Commission. The 2046 Commission, named to highlight the next 25 years of progress for Black Businesses in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, will explore innovative ways to strengthen the foundation of current Black businesses while preparing the ecosystem to be competitive and welcoming to the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. The Commission will consist of 15 regional leaders from the economic, financial, purchasing and investing sectors, as well as policy makers.

“The African American Chamber is celebrating its 25th anniversary,” said Eric H. Kearney, AACC president and CEO. “The 2046 Commission has been formed to make certain our businesses and our ecosystem are strategically positioned to thrive for the next 25 years.”

The 2046 Commission was formed as the result of a groundbreaking study in partnership with the UC Economics Center. The study shows the Greater Cincinnati Black businesses included in the analysis support more than $1.4 billion of operations expenditures and are responsible for directly employing 8,680 people with $540 million in earnings throughout the Cincinnati Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

“As we continue to build on the legacy of our founders, it is our responsibility to position Black businesses as a conduit to foster innovation, analyze and develop new policies for economic equity and promote the abilities of Black-owned businesses to compete in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Region and beyond. We will do this by working with the right individuals and top organizations to develop recommendations and comprehensive regional alignment,” added Jason Dunn, AACC Board chair and co-chair of the 2046 Commission.

The inaugural co-chairs of the 2046 Commission are

Stacey Browning is managing director at CincyTech, an Ohio-based venture capital firm making seed-stage investments in digital and life sciences companies with ties to the Cincinnati region. She serves as a Board member of the Health Collaborative, is a co-founder of Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon, Committee of 200 member, a YWCA Career Woman of Achievement and received The Circuit’s 2019 Technology Visionary Award. Additionally, she sits on the Board of Directors for Al. Neyer LLC and is a Board Advisor for InfoTrust. Stacey lives in Madeira with her husband, Chris, and two children.

Jason Dunn is the group vice president, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau , Co- Chair of The Events Industry Council’s Global Equity Taskforce and Immediate past chairman of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. He has served as chair of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, chair of Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, and chair of the Cincinnati Police Foundation. He is a graduate of Leadership Cincinnati Class 39 and the Urban League’s African American Leadership Development Program Class 20. Jason lives in Bond Hill with his wife, Tiffany, and their two children.

Larissa England is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion partner for The E.W. Scripps Company and is responsible for managing, developing, and implementing EDI strategies. She also serves as vice chair on the board of directors for the African American Chamber of Commerce. She earned a B.S. in Agribusiness and Applied Economics from The Ohio State University and is a native of Youngstown, Ohio. Larissa lives in West Chester with her husband, Justin, and their two children.

John A. Moore is the president of Moore Air, a second generation, minority-owned heating ventilation and air conditioning service provider serving Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Air Conditioning Contractors of Ohio, African American Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Main Street Ventures. He is the past president of the Air Conditioning Contractors of Greater Cincinnati and past Board chairman of the African American Chamber of Commerce. John lives in Springdale with his wife, La Costa, and their two children.

Well and Good

It’s been a long, cold, COVID winter but with Spring (and a vaccine) in the air, it’s time to start looking ahead. As we all emerge from our collective cocoon, you might find that your nails, your skin, and most importantly, your nerves could use a little TLC. Lucky for you, a number of Cincinnati retailers are prepared to help you relax, refresh, and recharge.

Crystal Grace, owner of Grace and Grit Spa, 6712 Montgomery Road

“Self-care is health care,” says Crystal Grace, owner of Grace and Grit Spa (www.graceandgritskin.com). “We don’t view (our services) as a indulgence for a birthday or anniversary. We want people to take the time to slow down and destress to maintain their wellness.”

At Handzy Shop and Studio (handzyshopstudio.com) , with two locations in downtown and Covington, you’ll find a section devoted to self-care.

Opened in 2016 by best friends Suzy Hinnefeld and Brittney Braemer, Handzy carries women’s clothing, lifestyle accessories, paper goods, gifts, plus their own line of greeting cards they design in-house. 

Maybe you want to create a tranquil home environment with a eucalyptus soy candle, which burns cleanly and slowly. Or give yourself a quick pick-me-up with a soothing orange blossom lip balm or indulge in a relaxing soak with coconut milk bath bomb.

Handzy Shop & Studio has locations in Covington, 17 W. Pike St. and inn downtown Cincinnati, 324 W. Fourth St.

“Handzy is your happy place!” the owners say. “Our shop is filled with upbeat products we hope will make you smile. Whether it's a new outfit that makes you feel bold and confident or a soothing candle scent, we work to fill our shop with products to inspire you and make you feel good.”

Ready to take off your shoes and feel the warm grass under your feet, but embarrassed about state of your toes? Spruce Nail Shop (sprucenailshop.com) to the rescue! Offering the safest polishes, products, and practices, Spruce creates a warm, welcoming, and creative environment for pedicures, manicures, and skin care. 

Spruce Nail Salon, 1818 Race St., Suite 101

“I think so often people associate a manicure or pedicure with only polish and nail art,” says Molly Reckman Nagle, owner. “While we obviously love getting to create one-of-a-kind designs with our clients, it really is the icing on top of the cake for us. The real benefit is about nail care and foot care. Neglect, especially of your feet, can lead to some serious health issues, so we want to be sure to look out for the wellbeing of each client who comes through our doors.”

Founded by Nagle in 2015, Spruce moved to their new location by Findlay Market last year.

“When we first re-opened June, I was concerned that we wouldn’t get many people coming in because nobody was going anywhere. But what I found was we ended up doing more nail art than ever, and many of our clients who have never done nail art were starting to partake,” Nagle says.

One of Nagle’s clients said that even though she wasn’t really going anywhere, and was working from home, she was trying to find some joy. Looking down at her hands and seeing a bright and fun manicure made her smile.

Likewise at Grace and Grit, clients returned as soon as the spa, which first opened in 2018, reopened after a two-month pandemic shut-down.

“Our customers rushed back — we didn’t have any kind of slowdown,” Graces says. “We created a space where they felt safe and they saw our services as part of how they stay healthy.”

In a time when people were forced to isolate themselves and maintain their distance from others, feeling connection with others became even more important.

“People don’t understand the healing power of touch,” Grace says. “We don’t think of what we do as pampering. It’s not a luxury, it’s wellness.”

Aromatherapy is another way to create a calming space. If you want to create a more pleasant at-home environment, &Sundries (andsundries.com) has a full array of handcrafted soapworks and homegoods made with good-for-you ingredients. 

&Sundries, 2807 Woodburn Ave.

John Meyer started the company in 2018, with a clear and simple handmade process, making all of the bath and body goodies in the shop, so the products compliment one another. When paired with &Sundries shower tabs, those scents ranging from traditional lavender and eucalyptus to the more exotic citrus and cypress, can help you create a spa-like retreat.

“A four-pack of large cubes packed with essential oils release a dose of aromatherapy in the shower,” says Meyer. “The wetter they get, the faster they fizz, to release awakening peppermint or soothing lemongrass and eucalyptus in the shower.”

As the old saying goes, you can’t fill from an empty cup. All of these local self-care gurus agree that it’s important to take care of yourself while you’re busy meeting all of your work, school, and home obligations.

“For many of our clients, Spruce was their only outing for a while, and still is,” says Nagle. “I think it’s about finding the small moments and breaks, and taking time for yourself to do something that makes you smile.”

The owners of Handzy offer that well-being looks different for everyone. “A new planner and pen could create well-being for someone working toward getting organized while a bath bomb, soap, and candle set might do the same for someone focusing on simple self-care rituals.”

Whether you take a few minutes a day to journal or add a massage to your regular health care routine are ways to not only ease your stress but maintain your mental and also physical health. 

“We opened our store two months before the pandemic shut us down,” says Meyer. “It was crazy and living in the moment is hectic, but I try to at least once a week look back and focus on the accomplishments that I’ve made this year.”

“We need our vessels to be full,” Grace says. “We demonstrate to our children they should put themselves last, but we need to re-tell that story. Not only so we can be healthy and but so we can create a healthier society.”

So don’t feel guilty about picking up that candle or scheduling a little “me-time” for a facial or manicure. 

“Self-care is preventive care for our mental health,” says Grace

–Tricia Suit