Let’s Go to the Movies!

Last week, the Milan Town Hall in Milan, Ohio, served as the starting point for a marathon celebration of cinema. The date wasn't accidental – it marked the birthday of Thomas Edison, the town’s most famous son and a pivotal figure in the invention of the motion picture.

Screenings and events in all 88 counties,now through October.

See the full line-up at ohiogoestothemovies.org

The event was a tribute to the early days of film. Attendees gathered to watch a selection of Edison’s early short films, followed by the 1910 versions of Frankenstein and Alice in Wonderland.

It was a relaxed, community-focused evening that officially launched Ohio Goes to the Movies, a statewide initiative planning 250 screenings across all 88 counties to celebrate the U.S. Semiquincentennial.

And Cincinnati, you’re in luck! Ohio Goes to the Movies has a schedule packed with local screenings, many of which highlight famous actors and directors born right in the Queen City, like Steven Spielberg and Doris Day.

Spring Screenings

March 1: A triple header across different venues:

• A.I. Artificial Intelligence at Cinemark Western Hills 14 (directed by Cincinnati-born Steven Spielberg).

• The Color Purple at Cinemark Oakley Station.

• Hook at Cinemark Milford (Clermont County).

April 5: Lover Come Back at the Mariemont Theatre, celebrating Cincinnati legend Doris Day.

April 21: Grant at the Gaslight Theater in Georgetown (Brown County), the birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant.

Coming soon to a screen near you

The tour will move across the state, bringing a mix of Hollywood classics and Ohio-connected films to local theaters and parks. Here are a few highlights to look for in the coming months.

Celebrity & Filmmaker Appearances:

• Cleveland Heights: Melissa Newman will host a screening of Cool Hand Luke, starring her father, Paul Newman, at the Cedar Lee Theatre.

• Worthington: Actress Rachael Harris will be at the McConnell Arts Center for a screening of the comedy Best in Show.

• Wooster: Producer Christopher Buchanan will participate in a Q&A following a showing of Raising Arizona.

Regional Favorites

• Wapakoneta: The town will celebrate its aerospace heritage with screenings of First Man and Apollo 11.

• Mansfield/Salem: Fans of The Shawshank Redemption can catch the film near its original filming locations.

• Springfield: A special presentation of The Great Victory will take place at the High Street Church.

Outdoor Summer Series

As the weather warms up, the schedule shifts toward "Movies in the Park," including family-friendly hits like Spider-Man in Massillon and The Avengers in Lucas County.

The goal is to hit 250 events by the time the program wraps up in October. Most screenings are free to the public, though some require a reserved ticket due to venue capacity.

All OGTTM signature events are free, but because many are held in historic or smaller theaters, you usually need to reserve a "seat" on their website ahead of time. Each screening includes a pre-show presentation explaining why the film was chosen, whether it was the filming location, the director, or a featured actor from the area.

Love Notes

This Valentine’s Day weekend, all you need is love. The YMCA will do the rest.

In a week filled with heart emojis, overpriced flowers and last-minute chocolate purchases, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is doing something refreshingly old-school. Pens, paper, stamps - and a simple phrase that never goes out of style.

Through Feb. 16 at all locations, Y members are invited to take part in the annual Love Notes Project, a Valentine’s Week tradition that turns local YMCA branches into launching pads for connection. Members can stop in and create a handwritten “I love you” note to someone who matters. The Y takes care of the rest. Cards, postage and mailing are all included.

This year, the project is bigger than ever. Last year, the response was overwhelming, allowing the Y to send 1,000 notes during Valentine’s week. This year, organizers are thinking bigger. The goal is to send more than 5,000 handwritten notes around the world, triple last year’s total.

What makes the Love Notes Project feel especially on brand for the Y is that it treats wellness as more than movement. Yes, the YMCA is a place to lift weights, swim laps and take group fitness classes. But it’s also a place that recognizes and prioritizes emotional health, social connection and community care as part of the whole picture. And the Love Notes project fits that intention perfectly.

“At the Y, wellness isn’t just physical,” said Jeff Saunders, SVP of the Brand Experience at YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. “This project invites members to slow down, reflect and share something positive at a time when people could really use it.”

Organizers also point out that handwritten notes are something of a lost art. The time, intention (and lack of spell check) are exactly what make these notes feel so personal.

The Love Notes Project is available at all YMCA of Greater Cincinnati locations Feb. 9–16 and is included with membership. For those considering joining the Y, it’s a fitting introduction, and a reminder that wellness is personal, but it’s also shared.

In a season that can feel overly polished and performative, the YMCA is keeping it simple. Write it down, send it out. Some notes will travel across town. Others will cross state lines or oceans. All of them start in the same place: from the heart.

 – Kathrine Nero

Let The Games Begin

Connor Curran

Age: 21
Specialty: Men's Freestyle Aerials

Trained for four years with a trampoline and tumbling team in Cincinnati, building the foundation for his aerial skiing career

Moved to the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York, at age 13, then relocated to Park City at 15 to continue his Olympic pursuit

For the Cincinnati region, the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics isn’t just a global sporting spectacle — it’s a hometown celebration. Three elite athletes with local ties have earned their places on Team USA’s roster: Connor Curran and Quinn Dehlinger, both aerials specialists from Cincinnati, and Nick Goepper, a veteran freestyle skier from Lawrenceburg.

Quinn Dehlinger

Age: 23
Specialty: Men's Freestyle Aerials

Hobbies include skiing, mountain biking, watching movies, playing video games and fishing

Dehlinger started doing jumps and rails when he was just 10

Connor Curran’s rise to the Olympic stage began long before the spotlight of global competition. Born and raised in Cincinnati, he discovered aerials skiing — a discipline that blends acrobatic skills with fearless skiing — during a family visit to Utah Olympic Park as a young child. Captivated by the dramatic flips and twists athletes executed high above the snow, Curran dove head-first into the sport.

Curran’s early training combined gymnastics-like skills with ski technique. In Cincinnati he honed his air awareness on a trampoline and tumbling team for years, laying a foundation that would later translate to world-class aerial maneuvers. Recognizing his potential, the U.S. Ski Team brought Curran into elite development at age 13, prompting a move first to the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid and later to Park City, Utah.

Nick Goepper

Age: 31
Specialty:Halfpipe

Began skiing at age 5 and started competing by 11

3-time Olympian and 3-time Olympic medalist (2 silver, 1 bronze)

In the competitive world cup circuit, Curran steadily climbed, marking his debut season with significant milestones: his first top-10, first finals, and breakthrough podium at Deer Valley in 2024. A U.S. national title and strong performances at World Championships secured his spot on the Olympic team.

Quinn Dehlinger’s journey parallels Curran’s but carries its own unique flair. Also from Cincinnati, Dehlinger found his love for skiing on local slopes like Perfect North Slopes before transitioning to elite aerials training. Scouted in his early teens, he quickly moved into competitive freestyle skiing and by his late teens had earned a place on the U.S. Ski Team.

A dynamic competitor with a flair for complex tricks, Dehlinger rapidly became one of the world’s top aerialists. His resume includes multiple world championship medals — both in individual aerials and mixed team events — and a top-three ranking that secured his early qualification for the 2026 Games.

Across the region, Nick Goepper stands as one of the most decorated and inspiring figures in American freestyle skiing. The Lawrenceburg native first burst onto the Olympic scene in 2014 with a bronze medal in slopestyle. He went on to win silver medals at both the 2018 and 2022 Games, making him one of the most consistent performers in his sport.

After briefly stepping away from competition, Goepper made a bold transition from slopestyle to halfpipe skiing — a move few elite athletes attempt in their 30s. He quickly found success, including a World Championships silver in halfpipe and victories on the X Games and World Cup circuits, proving he still belongs among the sport’s best.

Now heading to his fourth Olympic Games, Goepper aims to extend a storied career and perhaps become the first American to medal in an individual event across four different Winter Olympics.

– Betsy Ross

A Gift of Hope

For 10 years, the Christian Kennedy Memorial Toy Drive has offered moments of levity, fun, and connection for children and families facing their darkest hours in the hospital.

Christian Kennedy Memorial Toy Drive

Find out more about the toy drive at the links.

• Financial Donations: Support the larger purchases and hospital needs via the GoFundMe Page.

• Toy Donations: Shop directly from the Amazon Wish List to have items sent straight to the drive.

“We lost our sweet, precious baby boy to pediatric cancer at just 19 months old,” say Tanya Kennedy Gill, Christian’s mother. “He was born with a condition called giant congenital melanocytic nevus and developed malignant melanoma in his nevus as a result.”

Inspired by the incredible life of Christian – a boy defined by his sweetness, his tenacity, major love for Skyline Chili, and a bravery that outshone his suffering – the annual toy drive aims to do one thing: spread light and love to kids who are fighting just like he did.

Despite a decade of success, this has been the slowest year on record. With a goal of 600 toys to support local children fighting cancer, the drive has currently only received about 75 donations.

Today, Christian’s family continues his legacy by trying to provide “hope, if only for a little while” to patients and parents at Cincinnati Children’s and through the Dragonfly Foundation.

The needs this year are significant. Beyond traditional toys, the drive is working to fund “big ticket” items that provide genuine therapeutic value and joy, including

• Music Therapy: A guitar and drum kit for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

• Mobility & Play: A riding Jeep for the Dragonfly Foundation and a Melissa & Doug kitchen set.

• Connection: Nintendo Switch games and consoles for older children.

• The “Spot” Dogs: A signature part of the drive, these precious plush dogs can be sponsored for $33 each to provide comfort to a child in a hospital bed.

• Support for Parents: Gift cards for gas, groceries, and restaurants to help families manage the hidden costs of long hospital stays.

“My family and I consider it an honor and privilege to give to other little ones who are struggling and fighting big battles like our sweet baby did,” says Kennedy Gill. “We know firsthand how hard it is to be isolated from the outside world and for these children to be separated from everything they know and love. So, our hope is to bring a little bit of light, love, and hope to their faces through the gifting we do.”

Christian’s life was a testament to bravery and th annual toy drive honors that bravery by ensuring no child spends their days feeling forgotten.

This Little Piggie

Flying Pig Marathon season got off to a pre-dawn start on Saturday, Jan. 17 as more than 500 runners from around the region took their first steps toward the Finish Swine.

Runners could choose from multiple route distances, while enjoying food from Element Eatery and Flyin Pig giveaways.

Flying Pig Weekend is May 1–3, with training runs throughout the spring for all runners of all skill levels. Ready to run? Visit flyingpigmarathon.com to sign up!

Living and Learning

Straight “A” Scholarship Winners

Anthony Muñoz continues to give back to the Cincinnati community in a big way. From leadership development camps to tutoring, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation prioritizes supporting local youth and teir education.

The foundation, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is awarding thousands of dollars through its Straight ‘A’ Scholarship and Scholarship Fund. Since its inception.  the foundation has awarded nearly $750,000 to 340+ students through its Straight ‘A’ Scholarship and over $2,300,000 to 115+ students through its Scholarship Fund.

Nominations and applications are now open for the following scholarships:

Mount St. Joseph University x Anthony Muñoz Foundation Scholarship 

This scholarship, which was created to support Anthony Muñoz Foundation Impact Program students, includes up to four, $2,500 scholarships annually, totaling $10,000 over four years per student. This collaboration will directly impact students by providing scholarship opportunities to those high school seniors who plan to continue their education at Mount St. Joseph University (MSJ).

The application deadline is Saturday, Jan. 31. Applications and eligibility requirements can be found munozfoundation.org/scholarship-fund/msj-scholarship/. 

Straight ‘A’ Scholarship 

The Anthony Muñoz Foundation has redefined the meaning of Straight ‘A’s. This scholarship awards high school students who are pursuing Academic excellence and Athletic achievement, are Actively serving in the community while possessing strong Ambition, a winning Attitude and the ability to overcome Adversity. 

Thanks to Mike’s Carwash, the Foundation is awarding $42,000 in college scholarships to deserving Tri-State seniors, this year. Eighteen Tri-State high school seniors (nine male, nine female students), will receive a $2,000 scholarship toward their college education and be recognized and awarded their scholarships at a luncheon in April. One male and female recipient will be chosen as the Overall Male and Overall Female Straight ‘A’ Student of the Year and awarded an additional $3,000 for a total of a $5,000 scholarship.

The nomination deadline is Friday, Feb. 27. Nominations can be submitted by educators, mentors, coaches, community members, and any other school administration. Nomination forms and eligibility requirements can be found at munozfoundation.org/straightascholarship/. For specific questions regarding the Straight ‘A’ Scholarship, email straighta@munozfoundation.org. 

Scholarship Fund 

Developed through Anthony Muñoz and his family’s passion to help deserving students reach their dreams of attending a college or university, the Foundation’s Scholarship Fund awards multiple $20,000 scholarships to select Tri-State high school seniors. 

Students are chosen for the scholarship based upon financial need, academic achievement, ability to overcome adversity and their ambition to succeed. Applicants will be considered and evaluated. Finalists will be selected to interview with members of the Scholarship Fund selection committee by mid-May. Recipients will be announced at the end of May and awarded scholarships during the Foundation’s annual Hall of Fame Dinner on Sunday, June 7. 

The application deadline is Friday, April 24. Applications and eligibility requirements can be found at munozfoundation.org/scholarship-fund/. For specific questions regarding Scholarship Fund, email impact@munozfoundation.org. 

Building a Legacy

Ronald B. Kull, FAIA, the architect behind one of the most ambitious and celebrated campus transformations in American higher education, passed away on Dec. 22, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. He was at home in Cincinnati, cared for with devotion by his wife of 23 years, Mary Stagaman.

Born and raised in Corryville, Kull carried a lifelong belief that architecture shapes not only buildings, but identity, pride, and possibility. After graduating from Hughes High School, he worked at GE Aircraft Engines while serving in the Naval Reserve. His passion for design led him to persuade the dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Cincinnati to admit him. In 1968, he graduated first in his class, an early signal of a career defined by vision and rigor.

Kull spent two decades in public service with the City of Cincinnati as Urban Designer, City Architect, and Superintendent of Architecture and Facility Management, gaining deep experience in civic-scale planning and execution. That foundation prepared him for what would become the defining achievement of his professional life.

In 1990, Kull was appointed University Architect at the University of Cincinnati and charged with leading a comprehensive reimagining of the 200-acre urban campus. Under his leadership, UC embarked on a $1 billion master plan that redefined the role of architecture in higher education. He did not simply commission buildings. He curated a living portfolio of contemporary design by assembling an extraordinary roster of world-renowned architects, including Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, Charles Gwathmey, Harry Cobb, and Thom Mayne.

College-Conservatory of Music by Harry Cobb

Mantei Center by Michael Graves

Vontz Center by Frank Gehry

Through Kull’s stewardship, UC became one of the rare campuses where globally significant architecture exists not as isolated statements, but as a cohesive and livable whole. Each project was guided by his insistence on excellence, urban connectivity, and respect for context. The result was a dramatic transformation from a utilitarian commuter campus into a nationally admired destination for design, scholarship, and student life. Enrollment growth followed, as did sustained national attention.

That attention culminated in a defining moment when Forbes named the University of Cincinnati one of America’s 10 most beautiful campuses in 2010. The recognition affirmed what architects, planners, and students already knew. UC had become a case study in how thoughtful leadership and bold architectural collaboration can elevate an institution and a city simultaneously. In 2007, Kull was hnored as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, recognizing the national significance of his contributions.

Following his work at UC, Kull joined GBBN Architects, where he directed a $1.2 billion program to build or renovate 51 schools for Cincinnati Public Schools. Even late in life, he remained driven by curiosity and discipline, earning his real estate license while nearing 80.

He believed architecture was inseparable from community. Former UC head of communications Greg Hand recalled that Kull consistently reminded university leadership that UC did not exist in isolation from its neighbors. He initiated monthly meetings with skeptical community members, listened intently, and translated concerns into action. One tangible outcome was the creation of a new Corryville recreation center, replacing an aging facility displaced by campus construction. It was a small but meaningful example of Kull’s belief that great architecture must also be humane.

Beyond accolades and awards, Kull’s legacy is measured in the standards he set. He taught by example through his work ethic, kindness, humor, and grace during years of illness. He loved Cincinnati deeply, while also finding joy at Lake Wawasee in Indiana, traveling the world, celebrating Jewish traditions after converting in midlife, and filling his home with Cincinnati art, music, and friends. Evenings often ended with his favorite indulgence, Graeter’s double chocolate chip ice cream.

He is survived by his wife Mary; his children Michael (Jayme Braatz), Clayton, Lauren, and Aaron Kull; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; Mary’s nine siblings and their families; and his devoted caregivers Jamie Parker and Tara Schmidt.

Kull leaves Cincinnati with a rare and enduring gift. A city and a university permanently shaped by architectural excellence, global collaboration, and the quiet conviction that design, done right, can change how people live, learn, and belong.

On the Move

Photo: Tasha Pinelo

After nearly three years at the helm of the Contemporary Arts Center, Christina Vassallo, CAC’s Alice & Harris Weston Director, is heading back to Philadelphia. She has been named the executive director of The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Vassallo joined CAC in March 2023, leading a strategic planning process that established new institutional priorities centered on community engagement, organizational sustainability, the museum’s local and global connections, and a new artistic vision that will guide the institution as it looks toward its 90th anniversary in 2027.

“We are so grateful to Christina for her bold leadership and thoughtful direction of the CAC during this time,” say Emily Kokenge and Rick Michelman, CAC’s board presidents. “She has played a pivotal role, guiding CAC during the building’s anniversary, creating partnerships with regional and local art organizations, strengthening the organization’s financial stability, and enhancing CAC’s reputation as a place to experience challenging and inspirational contemporary art.”

During her tenure, CAC celebrated the 20th anniversary of its landmark Zaha Hadid designed building with a robust series of programs and the exhibition “A Permanent Nostalgia for Departure.” Vassallo helped bring the traveling exhibition, “Jayson Musson: His History of Art,” to CAC and supported the development of solo exhibitions by Vivan Browne, Marcus Leslie Singleton, and Sheida Solemani, as well as forthcoming exhibitions by Gee Horton and Michael Stillion. In collaboration with colleagues at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland, she also conceived and launched “Ohio Now,” a new triennial devoted to artists living and working across the state.

“It has been an honor to shepherd CAC and be part of Cincinnati’s vibrant artistic legacy,” says Vassallo. “I’m so proud of the exhibitions we’ve brought to the city, the strong partnerships we’ve forged with artists from around the world, and the steps we’ve taken to embrace a mission to develop a more empathetic world through the creation and experience of all contemporary art forms.”

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage conducted an extensive search following the departure of the previous executive director in October. Vassallo’s appointment is the result of a nationwide search overseen by the Barnes Foundation, in collaboration with The Pew Charitable Trusts and the search firm Russell Reynolds Associates. 

“Christina is a strategic leader with a proven track record of strengthening nonprofits; engaging stakeholders; managing complex partnerships; developing timely, impactful programs; and understanding Philadelphia’s cultural community,” said Donna Frisby-Greenwood in a statement as vice president at the Pew Charitable Trusts, the primary funder of the Pew Center.

CAC's board is searching for an interim director who will work closely with CAC's leadership team. Museum Search & Reference (MS&R), a Boston-based executive search firm that specializes in recruiting senior leadership for museums, historic sites, and other cultural institutions, will also be used to find and hire a new CAC director.

Season of Giving

As people around the Tristate got ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, CancerFree KIDS hosted an Evening of Gratitude, announcing a record-breaking year in fundraising for the organization.

CancerFree KIDS will invest a record $1.65 million this year to fund innovative pediatric cancer research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. This milestone marks CancerFree KIDS’ largest single-year funding increase of $250,000, as well as the highest annual funding total in its 23-year history - including, for the first time ever, awarding $1 million to Cincinnati Children’s.

“To be able to award $1 million to Cincinnati Children’s for the first time is a moment of pride and purpose for our organization,” said Jill Brinck, executive director of CancerFree KIDS. “Every dollar raised means more opportunities for researchers to explore new, less toxic treatments - and more hope for kids and families facing cancer.”

This year’s total also includes $650,000 for research projects at Nationwide Children’s, furthering CancerFree KIDS’ mission to find gentler, more effective treatments for childhood cancers. Since 2002, the organization has invested $12.5 million in early-stage research projects, fueling 265 new ideas with the potential to change outcomes for children and families.

The grants will once again support New Idea Awards, designed to fund bold concepts in the earliest stages of discovery, and Accelerator Awards, which allow researchers to continue promising work that has already demonstrated success.

“Funding from CancerFree KIDS is crucial to progress,” said Dr. Stella Davies, director of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency at Cincinnati Children’s. “By investing in research in its critical early stages, CancerFree KIDS paves the way for researchers to explore ideas that they might never have the chance to pursue otherwise. The organization fills a unique need, one that drives innovation and allows for groundbreaking discoveries that hold the promise to bring more effective treatments to kids.”

CancerFree Kids 2025 Research Grant Investments

Nationwide Children’s Hospital
New Idea Awards

Project Title: Targeting LMP2A with an AAV-based TCR-mimic bispecific to treat EBV-associated cancers
Principal Investigator: Abuzar Kaleem, PhD

Project Title: Metabolically targeting alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma to exploit novel therapeutic strategies
Principal Investigator: Jie Li, PhD

Project Title: Overcoming rejection of allogeneic CAR-expressing immune cells using a novel HLA-targeting shRNA incorporated into the CAR construct
Principal Investigator: Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi, DVM, PhD

Project Title: Combining the multi-kinase inhibitor brigatinib with the proteasome inhibitor ixazomib
Principal Investigator: Janet Oblinger, PhD

Project Title: Decoding tumor heterogeneity at the mestatic bottleneck in osteosarcoma
Principal Investigator: Kelly Gutpell, MD, PhD

Project Title: From Click to Insight: A Point-and-Click Computational Pipeline to Study How Rare Childhood Cancer Fusion Genes Rewire the Genome Using Zebrafish Models
Principal Investigator: Cenny Taslim, PhD

Project Title: Targeting aberrant splicing and Rhabdomyosarcoma: a novel bichromatic MDM2 Reporter approach
Principal Investigator: Chloe Nagasawa , PhD (OSU)

Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Accelerator Awards

Project Title: Developing a novel Human IL-27-expressing oncolytic virus for malignant gliomas
Principal Investigator: Alexia Martin

Project Title: Matrix-associated signals mediating growth and survival of osteosarcoma lung metastases
Principal Investigator: Ryan Roberts, MD, PhD

Project Title: Dual-targeting of tumor and stroma using gene therapy based expression of tri-specific antibodies
Principal Investigator: Julie Tomolonis, MD, PhD

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center New Idea Awards

Project Title: Unraveling the role of RMND1 in polyamine depletion therapy for pediatric acute Myeloid leukemia
Principal Investigator: Karina Elizabeth Jimenez Camacho, PhD

]Project Title: Defining the role of IRAK4 signaling on LSC chromatin state
Principal Investigator: Issac Choi

Project Title: Mechanism of Action for Targeting LARG-RhoA Signaling in Relapsed Neuroblastoma
Principal Investigator: Yuan Lin

Project Title: Understanding the role of RAS mutations in resistance to menin inhibition in KMT2Ar pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Principal Investigator: Linde A. Miles, PhD

Project Title: Suppressing both inflammation and MEK to cure neurofibroma
Principal Investigator: Nancy Ratner, PhD

Project Title: Targeting glutathione metabolism in pediatric AML
Principal Investigator: Paula Saez Raez, BSc

Project Title: Splicing neoantigens as therapeutic targets in pediatric AML
Principal Investigator: Nathan Salomonis, PhD

Project Title: Novel vulnerabilities in acute myeloid leukemia
Principal Investigator: Zhe Wang

Project Title: Stopping Pediatric AML in Its Track by Dialing Down Inflammation in RUNX1-FPD Children
Principal Investigator: Chen Wang, MD, PhD

Project Title: Identifying targets to overcome cisplatin resistance in pediatric liver cancer
Principal Investigator: Peng V. Wu, MD, PhD

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Accelerator Awards

Project Title: Therapeutic targeting of the gut microbiota-driven TIFA signaling in refractory AML
Principal Investigator: Puneet Agarwal, PhD

Project Title: Understanding the Role of IGF2BP1 in Hematopoietic Ontogeny and Myeloid Leukemia Development in Infancy
Principal Investigator: Lynn Lee, MD

Project Title: LINE-1-Mediated inflammaging in High-Risk Pediatric Cancers
Principal Investigator: Kristie Ramos, MD

Project Title: CHAF1B degraders as a new first-in-class pediatric AML therapy
Principal Investigator: Andrew Volk, PhD

Project Title: Small molecules targeting SOS1 allosteric site in KRAS-driven JMML
Principal Investigator: Yi Zheng, PhD

Off On the Right Foot

Anthony and Links Unlimited Volunteers

Anthony and Mike LaRosa. Nick Custer Photos

Anthony and Mike LaRosa_

Photo: Nick Custer

Anthony and Oyler student showing off shoes at Target. Nick Custer Photos

Anthony and Oyler students at LaRosa's

Anthony and Oyler students

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Oyler student at LaRosa's. Nick Custer Photos.JPG

Oyler student coloring at LaRosa's.

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Oyler Student Eating at LaRosa's_Nick Custer Photos.JPG

Oyler Student Showing Off Shoes at Target (1)_Nick Custer Photos.JPG

Oyler Student Showing Off Shoes at Target (2)_Nick Custer Photos.JPG

Oyler Student Trying on Shoes at Target (2)_Nick Custer Photos.JPG

Oyler Student Trying on Shoes at Target (3)_Nick Custer Photos.JPG

Oyler Students + Links Unlimited Volunteer Having Fun at Target_AMF Phone Photos.jpeg

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Oyler Students Touring LaRosa's_Nick Custer Photos.JPG

Oyler Students Trying on Shoes at Target_AMF Phone Photos.JPEG

Every year, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation brings the holiday spirit to students in the Tristate.

Tuesday, Nov. 18 students at Oyler School participated in their annual “Shoegiving” event. The Foundation provided 35 students lunch from the LaRosa’s Pizzeria on Boudinot Avenue, then took them on a shopping trip to the Western Hills Target. Each student received new pair of shoes to keep them warm this winter!

At Larosa’s, the students enjoyed pizza, played interactive trivia games, and got an insiders’ view look at the kitchen. Then the Oyler School students headed to Target for an individualized shopping experience.

“We absolutely love supporting the Anthony Muñoz Foundation annual field trip with the students from Oyler Elementary School,” says Michael LaRosa, CEO of LaRosa’s Pizzeria. “The smiles on the students faces say it all! The day makes for a uniquely fun experience that creates a special forever memory for everyone involved!”

This is the 13th year the Anthony Muñoz Foundation has hosted “Shoegiving.” In that time, more than 300 pairs of shoes have been given to students. The program is just one of many Anthony Muñoz Foundation’s creates a positive impact for underserved youth in the Tristate.

To learn more or make a donation, visit munozfoundation.org.

Putting on the Ritz

Cervilio Miguel Amador and Jackie Daminco Amador

Gala co-chairs Sarah Frank Fogarty and Caroline Joseph

Debbie Brant, Ballet CEO and Margaret Valentine

Almost 400 Guests celebrated glamour and giving in the art deco splendor of the Hall of Mirrors at Cincinnati Ballet’s Great Gatsby Gala.

The Cincinnati Ballet celebrated an evening of elegance at its Great Gatsby Gala on Nov. 1 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Guests gathered in dazzling 1920s style to toast the Ballet’s artistry and community impact, raising more than $300,000 to support its education programs and community engagement initiatives.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters,” said Deborah Brant, President and CEO of Cincinnati Ballet. “The Great Gatsby Gala not only celebrates the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, but also the power of the arts to bring our community together. The funds raised will help sustain our mission to inspire hope and joy through dance.”

The evening featured cocktails, dinner, live music from Matt Tolentino and the New Liberty Dance Orchestra played pieces inspired by the Jazz Age. Guests enjoyed live music, dancing, and 1920s-inspired performance that set the stage for The Great Gatsby, which opens November 7–15, 2025, at the Aronoff Center for the Arts.

Cincinnati Ballet’s The Great Gatsby choreographed by Septime Webre continues this weekend, with performances Nov. 13–15 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, bringing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless story to life through the elegance and energy of dance. Join the party today.

Sporting Chance

Sometimes Cincinnati sports can be hard to watch but at least the experience is a little easier to enjoy at Tom’s Watch Bar.

With the official grand opening last week, Tom’s brings a 360-degree viewing experience to game day, with more than 70 televisions tuned to sports around world. With an elevated menu, prime rib sandwiches and craft beers, Tom’s Watch Bar is steps away from Great American Ball Park and down the street from Paycor Stadium.

Photos: Shae Huth

Starting this week, Tom’s Watch Bar will be home to Reds’ offseason radio program “Reds Hot Stove League,” with episodes tapes live at the BetMGM Sportsbook and Tom’s Watch Bar at The Banks.

Hosted by Reds on Radio broadcaster Tommy Thrall and Reds TV host Jim Day, the program features conversations with members of the Reds front office, players and broadcasters while providing fans with analysis, insights and news from Reds Country. The weekly show airs Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. EST on 700WLW, stations on The Reds Radio Network, and streaming online on Reds.com.

Home Court Advantage

In a place where safety comes first, joy took center court.

At Cincinnati’s new YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter, the sound of bouncing basketballs and children’s laughter brought joy to a place built for healing, as the organization officially opened the Pat and Jackie Reau Basketball Court – a safe space for kids to play, connect and simply be kids again.

“Basketball gave me a foundation for success in life, it was my safe place, my outlet, and my teacher in many things in life,” said Jackie Reau, YWCA’s Mission Forward co-chair. “The Pat & Jackie Reau Court represents that same sense of refuge and hope for families at the YWCA. My support for this mission is unwavering, and I hope every child who steps onto this court feels strong, seen, and ready to dream again.”

To celebrate the court’s opening, Xavier University’s women’s basketball team stopped by for a special visit and mini-clinic, running drills, shooting hoops and sharing smiles with young residents. Every child left with new memories, new skills - and a little Xavier swag to remember the day.

The court, complete with brand-new basketballs donated by Reau, is a reminder of hope, and the power of community. It’s a tool to teach children at the shelter, that even after life’s toughest losses, there’s always a chance to rebound.

It’s About Time

The clock that has watched over Newport for more than a century is once again keeping perfect time. Baynum C&I Solutions recently completed a full restoration of the Campbell County Courthouse clock and bell tower, preserving a piece of Northern Kentucky history while modernizing it for the decades ahead.

The project strengthened the tower’s internal structure, replaced deteriorated materials, and brought new life to the clock’s iconic face - a familiar landmark visible from across downtown Newport.

“Our collaboration at the Campbell County Courthouse restored the clock and bell tower, a project long overdue," said Frank Peluso, chairp of the Campbell County Courthouse Commission. "The professionalism and attention to detail from John Andrews and his team [Baynum Solutions] exceeded expectations.”

Project Highlights

• Removed decades of debris and deteriorated flooring to restore safe interior access

• Replaced failing wood with marine-grade decking and permanent bracing

• Installed modern clock mechanisms, acrylic dials, hands, and LED backlighting

• Restored wooden enclosures and cast clock face components to improve appearance and long-term protection

The result is both a restoration and a renewal, blending modern technology with historic preservation to ensure the courthouse clock continues to mark time for generations to come.

“Interior access systems were rebuilt with durable materials, and the clock was fully modernized - from drive mechanisms to LED backlighting — making the tower fully operational and protected for years ahead," added John Andrews, Senior Vice President, Baynum Solutions.

On a Roll

The boats were were back in town! Plus music, bourbon, favorite dishes and plenty of fun on both sides of the river.

America’s River Roots was a celebration of the region’s vibrant river culture, honoring the Ohio River's impact in shaping our nation's story, a perfect kickoff to the national celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Destined for Success

2025 YWCA Career Women of Achievement

Nominations are due Nov. 7, 2025.

Review the criteria and application details at ywcacincinnati.org/careerwomen.

Honorees will be celebrated at the YWCA Career Women of Achievement Luncheon on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.

Nominations for the 2026 YWCA Career Women of Achievement, one of Cincinnati’s most prestigious awards, are now open!

Each year, 10 women are chosen to be honored at the YWCA Career Women of Achievement Luncheon, increasing community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and in the region. Almost 400 women have been recognized since the program's inception in 1980, comprising a powerful academy of past honorees.

The luncheon has evolved into the YWCA’s largest fundraising event, sponsored by 100 companies and organizations each year, with an attendance of almost 1,200. All proceeds directly benefit YWCA programs, supporting its mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

YWCA Greater Cincinnati is a nonprofit organization with the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. YWCA Greater Cincinnati is a United Way partner agency. Worldwide, the YWCA impacts more than 25 million people in more than 120 countries.

That’s a Wrap

Film Cincinnati was in the spotlight as the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI), marked its 50th anniversary with the 48th edition of its Cineposium, one of its largest gatherings ever, in Greater Cincinnati. The conference emphasized Cincinnati’s growing role in film production and its ability to host world-class media events.

Film commissioners, executives, and government policymakers from all over the U.S. and more than 30 countries were part of the AFCI event as Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky played key roles in hosting panels, screenings and workshops with venues across Greater Cincinnati—including Memorial Hall, the MegaCorp Pavilion, and Great American Ball Park.

Producer Christine Vachon and director Todd Haynes kicked off the week with a special 10th anniversary screening and discussion of Haynes’ movie, “Carol,” shot in Cincinnati. Another highlight was the evening gala titled “A Conversation with George Clooney,” at which Clooney discussed topics including family, storytelling, and the future of film.

Other sessions spanned accessibility in production, sustainability, and innovations in location-based incentives, as well as panels on policy and creative economy impact. The event was particularly noteworthy for being more accessible to non-members than past editions of Cineposium, which broadened local community participation.

Above and Beyond

Photos: Megan Coffey

This past Saturday, nearly 1,000 participants helped raise more than $100,000 to create and maintain programs that directly support fire service survivors all across the country as part of the Cincinnati 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Cintas Corporation hosted the event at the Cintas Center at Xavier University, joing Cintas stair climb events and participants across the nation in support of the National Fallen Firefighters FoundationOpens in a new window.

The Stair Climb honored and remembered the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11, 2001. The NFFF sponsors the event each year in remembrance of this heroism and sacrifice.

“Taking part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is more than just a tribute – it’s a reminder of the resilience, unity and service that took place that day,” said Nick Pickens, president and COO of Fire Protection at Cintas. “We take great pride in supporting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and their mission in supporting fire service survivors all across the country.

Cintas is a proud partner of the NFFF, as both organizations are dedicated to preventing and safeguarding individuals from fires and electrical hazards.  Proceeds from the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb significantly impact the creation and maintenance of programs that directly support fire service survivors all across the country. 

Local Heroes

Along with global headquarter and Fortune 500 companies, Cincinnati is also home to long-standing and successful smaller companies that are backbone of the regional – and increasing International – economy.

On Tuesday, Sept.9, The Goering Center for Family & Private Business at the University of Cincinnati honored the 2025 Family and Private Business Awards (FPBA), celebrating the outstanding achievements of local family-owned and privately-held businesses.

The Goering Center at the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business provides essential resources and education to family-owned and privately-held businesses. As one of the premier centers of its kind in the country, the Goering Center supports businesses with strategic guidance, leadership development, and networking opportunities to help them thrive and build a legacy.

For more information visit Goering Center, visit www.goeringcenter.com.

“These exceptional businesses and individuals represent the best of Greater Cincinnati’s entrepreneurial spirit, and their dedication to growth, innovation, and community support continues to inspire the region,” said Carol Butler, president and CEO of the Goering Center. “The Family and Private Business Awards recognize companies for their successful strategic planning, adaptability in dynamic business environments, and overall impact on the local economy and community.”

The event, emceed by Butler and Cincinnati Zoo’s Thane Maynard, was at Music Hall, honored businesses that demonstrate excellence in strategic planning, dynamic business strategy, and significant community contributions.  

The 2025 Honorees are:

• 1-Tom Plumbing

• Ample

• R.J. Beischel Building Company

• City Wide Facility Solutions

• ConexTalk

• General Electric Credit Union

• Hilltop Basic Resources

• Kirsch CPA Group

• Kona Ice

• Modern Office Methods

 Hall of Fame Inductee:

·      Jungle Jim’s International Market—The Bonaminio Family, celebrating their 50th Anniversary

Volunteer of the Year:

• Gus McPhie, President, McPhie and Associates

Sponsors of the event include Fifth Third Bank, Clark Schaefer Hackett, Katz Teller, OneDigital, SpotOn Productions, Game Day, Cincinnati Business Courier, Value Research Corporation, TechSolve, HR Elements, Strauss Troy, Gus Perdikakis Associates, Forvis Mazars and Wood Herron & Evans.

Getting in Gear

CancerFree KIDS’ 100 Mile Challenge

Sept. 1 – Challenge begins

Sept. 26 – 100-Mile Challenge After-Party concert

Sept. 30 – Log all miles by 11:59 p.m.

Register at https://www.cancerfreekids.org

Ready to start a fitness journey for a good cause? Get the whole squad together to join the CancerFree KIDS 100 Mile Challenge!

Officially starting Sept. 1, CancerFree KIDS held a kick-off event for participants, champions, volunteers and community partners on Aug. 14 at at Paycor Stadium.

The CancerFree KIDS 100 Mile Challenge, presented by S&S Health, is a 30-day fitness and fundraising challenge in the month of September to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. You can conquer the Challenge on your own, but teams – friends, co-workers, neighbors– are encouraged to join the fight! Those participating need to complete 100 miles in September and raise $100 for CancerFree KIDS to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.

Participating in the CancerFree KIDS’ 100 Mile Challenge is more than a fitness goal–it’s a stand against childhood cancer. Your effort can lead to real change, offering hope for brighter futures for children everywhere. Sign up this September and take steps to fight for kids fighting cancer.