Game Day 5/22/25 Game Day 5/22/25

Walking Hand in Hand

CancerFree KIDS held their annual Butterfly Walk at the Cincinnati Zoo last Saturday, celebrating survivors and remembering those they had lost.

The 19th Annual CancerFree KIDS Butterfly Walk, presented by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, returned to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 17 with more than 900 participants joining to celebrate survivors and remember those for whom a cure did not come soon enough.

This year's event had record-breaking participation with more than 70 Champion families in attendance, highlighting the growing community support for childhood cancer research. Together, participants raised more than $166,000 to fund innovative pediatric cancer research projects.

“We're overwhelmed by the incredible turnout, emotion and generosity we witnessed at this year's Butterfly Walk,” said Jill Brinck, executive eirector of CancerFree KIDS. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to our goal of developing gentler and more effective treatments for children battling cancer.”

Each year at the Butterfly Walk, families, friends and co-workers form teams to raise money in support of kids and the mission to fund research that would otherwise go unfunded. CancerFree KIDS begins the day by honoring Childhood Cancer Champions in the Champion Ceremony, followed by an inspirational walk around the zoo.

The Butterfly Walk is one of CancerFree KIDS' signature events, symbolizing hope and transformation in the fight against childhood cancer. To lean more or to donate, go to www.butterflywalk.org.

Game Day 5/14/25 Game Day 5/14/25

Free Spirit

The American Friends of Lafayette honor the bicentennial of his visit with programs to “Celebrate, Commemorate and Educate,” on May 19 and 20.

“Ev’ryone give it up for America's favorite fighting Frenchman

Lafayette!”

You may know the song, but do you know the man? Maybe you picture Daveed Diggs in his Tony-award winning performance in Hamilton when you think of the Marquis de Lafayette. But next week, you can discover more about Lafayette’s legacy through public programs that commemorate his Farewell Tour of America.

In 1825, Lafayette stopped in Cincinnati during that tour. In honor of the bicentennial of his visit, a public celebration will be held, hosted by Cincinnati-area Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the American Friends of Lafayette, the Cincinnati-Lafayette Masonic Lodge No. 483, and the Alliance Francaise de Cincinnati.

The keynote speaker will be Julien Icher, a French geographer and historian. Icher is the founder and president of The Lafayette Trail, a nonprofit organization interpreting the significance of Lafayette’s legacy. With more than seven years dedicated to the subject, Icher is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on Lafayette’s 1824–25 visit to the U.S.

Stepping up to represent Lafayette during the events is Michael Halbert. A retired civilian defense intelligence officer, Halbert served more than 37 years in a variety of foreign engagement postings, including within the Defense Intelligence Agency as the representative to the French Services at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. He speaks French fluently and both French and English are used interchangeably in his home. In 2006, upon nomination by the French Military Mission, Embassy of France in Washington, DC, he was decorated with France's second highest order of chivalry, the Ordre National du Mérite.

Lafayette’s Farewell Tour in 1824–25

Lafayette was invited to return to America with the hope that he might bring a renewed unity and patriotic fervor back to American citizens being torn apart by a divisive presidential campaign. Lafayette gladly accepted the invitation to return to the country where he fought along-side George Washington in the American Revolution and helped to secure our independence. Lafayette’s tour covered more than 6,000 miles, traveling to all 24 states and “Washington City.”

The American Friends of Lafayette is recreating his Farewell Tour by following the same itinerary he used in 1824-1825 with events to be held in all 24 states and 290+ cities visited by Lafayette. The goal is to “Celebrate, Commemorate and Educate” with an emphasis on human rights, Franco-American Alliance, and linking the past to the present.

For more, visit http://www.Lafayette200.com

Halbert currently engages in historical interpretation of a variety of researched colonial and Revolutionary War figures at sites in Alexandria, Jamestown, and Yorktown, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Annapolis, Maryland. In 2023 he became the official Lieutenant General comte de Rochambeau interpreter for Mount Vernon, and in 2024 added Major General von Steuben to his repertoire there, appearing routinely in both of these roles at appropriate events.

Monday, May 19
Ceremony to Welcome Lafayette
Public Landing, 11 a.m.
An interpreter will portray Lafayette in period clothing and language, and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Kearney will give remarks at the exact location where he was received in 1825.

Lafayette 200 Dinner and Costume Ball at Cincinnati Masonic Center, 317 E. Fifth St., 6:30 p.m. keynote speaker is Julien Icher, president and founder of The Lafayette Trail, Inc. Lafayette artifacts will be on display. Buy tickets at http://www.annualcommunication.com/

Tuesday, May 20
Tribute to Frances Wright
Spring Grove Cemetery
4521 Spring Grove Ave., 10:30 a.m
Historians and podcasters Tristra Yeager and Eleanor Rust. They will speak about Frances Wright, a close friend of Lafayette’s who was born in Scotland in 1795, joined him on his Farewell Tour, and settled in Cincinnati where she died in 1852. Wright was a thought-leader of her time who influenced Lafayette in the belief of equality between men and women. Both Lafayette and Wright will be represented by period interpreters. Following the presentations, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at Frances Wright’s gravesite. Free and open to the public. Link to RSVP: http://www.annualcommunication.com/

An exhibit of Lafayette-themed rare books and artifacts are on view in The Cincinnati Room at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County at 800 Vine Street, and a display of artifacts at the Cincinnati Museum Center at 1301 Western Ave. in front of the Cincinnati History Library and Archives on the lower level. Educational materials for school-age children are available at library branches.

During Monday evening’s event, Maestro Laurence Bonhaus and the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra will provide music for the ball as the Dance Mistress Jeanette Watts, a historic dance instructor, will guide guest through a Grand March and offer dance instruction throughout the evening.

Game Day 5/7/25 Game Day 5/7/25

My How You’ve Flown

It was one for the books, with a record-breaking day at 2025 Flying Pig Marathon on Sunday, May 4. More than 42,000 participants competed in races over the weekend.

Flying Pig Marathon champions

Sean Ryan of Tampa, Fla., with a time of 2:22:43

Tori Parkinson of Lehi, Utah with a time of 2:40:06

Flying Pig Paycor Half Marathon champions

Jonathan Harley of Cincinnati defended last year’s title in a Flying Pig half marathon in record time of 1:07:44 (record)

Madeline Trevisan of Cincinnati also broke the Flying Pig half marathon record with a 1:19:49 (record)

It was a record-breaking year for the Flying Pig Marathon presented by P&G and Prysmian, and just because of the rain!

During the running of half-marathon on Sunday, May 4, two new event records were set in the Paycor Half Marathon, while the men’s and women’s marathon winners each placed in the top 10 fastest times in the history of the event. A total of 42,809 participants were registered for the weekend, the second largest field ever and a 9% increase over 2024.

Winning the men’s division of the Marathon was 23-year-old Sean Ryan of Tampa with a time of 2:22:43, the seventh fastest time in event history. Ryan, who is a native of Independence, Ky. and St. Henry High School, won the Pig in his first try at a marathon. “The last eight miles of the course, you really get a chance to open up,” Ryan said. “The crowd support was amazing, there’s not a single quiet spot along the course.”

Second in the men’s division was 24-year-old Bridger Altice of Hamilton, OH in 2:26:07 and third was 23-year-old Ethan Davis of Leesburg, Ohio in 2:28:05.

In the women’s division, 30-year-old Tori Parkinson won in a time of 2:40:06, the second fastest time in Flying Pig Marathon event history, behind Tatyana Pozdnyakova’s 2:34:35 and edging last year’s winning time, 2:43:22 by Olivia Anger. Parkinson, a graduate of Utah State, ran the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in 2024 and has run Chicago, Boston and Grandma’s marathons, among others. This is her first Flying Pig Marathon.

“(The Flying Pig) is a reminder of why I love running,” said Parkinson. “The community, all the people cheering for me was so fun throughout the race. I kept thinking, ‘I love this,’ this is why I love running.”

Second in the women’s division was Daniella Townsend, 37, of Cincinnati in 2:51:14, and third was 19-year-old Emma Bell of DeMotte, IN, in 2:52:12.

Winning in the wheelchair division was 46-year-old James Garman of Danville, Ky., in 2:48:34.

In the Paycor Half Marathon, Jonathan Harley, 24 of Cincinnati, defended last year’s title in the half marathon in record time of 1:07:44, besting the old record of 1:08:30 set in 2017 by Tommy Kauffmann. Second was Bobby Ganser in 1:10:51 and third was Eric Gruenbacher in 1:10:51. Gruenbacher was second the two previous years.

In the women’s division, Madeline Trevisan, 27, of Cincinnati also broke the Paycor Half Marathon record with a 1:19:49, three seconds better than the previous record set by Jules Madzia in 2024. Second in the women’s half was Jenny Simpson in 1:24:02 and third was Tricia Hengehold in 1:22:41.

On Saturday, Jorge Villanueva won the Toyota 10K men’s open division in a time of 32:13 and Emily Zimmerman won the women’s division in 36:56. In the handcycle competition, Yoshinori Tomoyasu won the men’s division in 25:51 and Mikiahya Greene won for the women in 42:15. In the Queen City Running 5K, William Doering was the winner in the men’s division in 15:41:00 and Katie Ruhlman won the women’s division in 17:30:9. In the Bounce Flying Fur, Jersson Pachar won in the men’s division in 6:15 and Amy Krause won in the women’s division in 7:14.

Friday’s Fifty West Mile elite men’s division winners were Charlie Parrish in a time of 4:17. Second was Jonathan Harley, also at 4:17 and third was Johnny Sayle in 4:18. For the elite women, Gina McNamara won in a time of 5:03. Second was Katie Ruhlman, who also came in second in last year’s elite dash, in 5:08 and third was Shelby Nolan in 5:12.

Flying Pig weekend kicked off Thursday evening as 103-year-old Mike Fremont completed the Fifty West Mile course as a virtual participants, becoming the oldest participant in the 27-year history of the Flying Pig weekend.

Ready to run? The 28th running of the Flying Pig Marathon will be held May 1-3, 2026.

Game Day 5/1/25 Game Day 5/1/25

Meet and Greet

Visit Cincy celebrated new graduates of the Dan Lincoln Institute for Hospitality Leadership, an initiative to develop the local tourism workforce.

Cincinnati prides itself on being a welcoming city. Last week, that became a little bit easier, as the Dan Lincoln Institute for Hospitality Leadership (IHL) recognized 44 graduates during a special ceremony celebrating students from across Hamilton County.

IHL is a workforce development initiative of Visit Cincy. This year’s graduates included high school students and adult learners from five partner programs: LADD (Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled), AchievePoint, Oyler High School, Western Hills University High School, and Withrow University High School. Families, educators, and partners joined to honor these future leaders in hospitality.

“What started as a pilot program with one high school is now preparing students across our region for careers in hospitality,” said Julie Calvert, president and CEO of Visit Cincy. “This work is about opening doors to opportunity, to community, and to a future in one of Cincinnati’s most vital industries.”

The ceremony spotlighted the program’s namesake, the late Dan Lincoln, former President and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Visit Cincy). His legacy of championing education, access, and workforce development continues through IHL’s expanding reach, now serving both high school students and adult learners.

Dan Lincoln’s sister, Joanne Maly, attended the event in support of the program and the graduates.

“The Dan Lincoln Institute was built on access, inclusion, and the belief that everyone deserves a clear pathway to a meaningful career,” said Ryah Harrison, Program Manager of the Visit Cincy Foundation for Hospitality Excellence. “These graduates represent the future of hospitality, prepared, inspired, and ready to contribute to Cincinnati’s visitor economy.”

Graduates received IHL certificates and the Certified Tourism Ambassador® (CTA® ) designation, a nationally recognized credential in hospitality and customer service excellence, positioning them to contribute to Cincinnati’s visitor economy.

Scholarships were awarded during the ceremony to Egide Habarugira and Kristen Saul.

Founded in 2016, IHL connects classroom learning, mentorship, and real-world experience to help prepare diverse, skilled talent for careers in Cincinnati’s growing hospitality and tourism sector. Visit Cincy also plans to expand the program into additional social service agencies focused on workforce development and hospitality.

Game Day 4/23/25 Game Day 4/23/25

Changing the Game

Sign up now for the “Game to Career: Esports Employment” Fair on May 6, sponsored by Easterseals Redwood, in collaboration with Cincinnati Fear.

Game to Career: Esports Employment Fair Tuesday, May 6, 4–7 p.m
University of Cincinnati Esports Lab
2900 Reading Road,

Easterseals Redwood is offering a limited number of scholarships for students to attend at no cost.

Find more at the registration website.

Video games aren’t just for fun anymore.

From high schools and universities to large companies, it’s possible to now have a career in gaming.

The University of Cincinnati offers bachelor’s degree in games and animation, with a game development and simulation concentration through the school’s information technology program.

To offer help gamers learn more about job opportunities, Easterseals Redwood, in collaboration with the Cincinnati Fear esports organization is holding a Game to Career: Esports Employment Fair. Registration is currently open for this groundbreaking networking and employment event designed to connect high school and college students who excel in video gaming with potential employers in the fields of droning, cybersecurity, and IT services.

“This event represents a unique opportunity for students to leverage their gaming skills for real-world career opportunities,” said Debbie Smith, senior advisor, strategic innovation with Easterseals Redwood. “We are excited to partner with Cincinnati Fear to provide an innovative and inclusive experience for students to explore future careers in esports-related fields.”

This innovative event leverages the cognitive and strategic skills developed through video gaming to showcase career opportunities where esports-related expertise translates into real-world job applications. Students will play video games and network with local employers while learning more about career opportunities in droning, cyber security and IT services.

Easterseals Redwood is offering a limited number of scholarships for students to attend the event at no cost. Interested participants can apply by visiting the registration website.

Easterseals Redwood is also offering 10 spots for employers in droning, cyber security and IT services to join the event as a partner. To learn more, contact Smith at dsmith@eastersealsredwood.org or (513) 884-9818.

Game Day 4/17/25 Game Day 4/17/25

Bright Ideas

Cincinnati Youth Collaborative celebrated students, volunteers, and supporters at their Dream Makers “Bright Lights, Bold Dreams” event.

With the theme “Bright Lights, Bold Dreams,” Cincinnati Youth Collaborative’s annual Dream Makers celebration raised more than $60,000 for the organization, supporting its mission to empower young people to overcome barriers and excel in education, career, and life.

The evening included live music during cocktail hour, with the party officially starting with the Aiken High School Drumline leading the CYC team to the podium.

Amy Thompson, CYC’s president and CEO, welcomed guests, with additional speakers Terence Daniels, CYC alumnus and board member, Keniah McCants, an alumna of Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates, and Stephen Mosby, CYC’s corporate program manager.

The event honored the Outstanding Student Scholarship winners Jocelyn Aguilar, Griselda Juarez- Hernandez, Yahya Tall, and Sarai Waller. Aguilar gave a speech on behalf of the outstanding students.

Another highlight of the evening were the tributes to this year’s Hall of Fame inductees,
Carrie Caldwell and Harry Blanton. The Dream Makers Honoree this year was PNC Bank.

The night ended with a live auction hosted by Susan Johnson, who brought a competitive twist to the fundraising!

Support at cycyouth.org.

Game Day 4/10/25 Game Day 4/10/25

Take Your Pig

Pig Works, the parent organization of the Flying Pig Marathon, awarded 18 area athletes at its annual Scholarship Breakfast on Wednesday.

Pig Works and the Flying Pig Marathon today awarded a record 18 scholarships to area high school track and cross country athletes at the annual Scholarship Breakfast at Music Hall. The breakfast is part of the celebration of the 27th running of Flying Pig Marathon weekend, May 2–4. Ultramarathoner and Flying Pig streaker Harvey Lewis was this year’s keynote speaker.

The scholarships, totaling $20,000 ($5,000 a year), go to students who are members of their high school’s cross country or track and field teams and who demonstrate dedication, teamwork and service to their schools and communities. The scholarships are made possible through the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation and Skyline Chili.

“We are proud to be able to support young student-athletes in their running careers,” said Doug Olberding, CEO of Pig Works. “We thank the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation and Skyline for allowing us to increase the number of scholarship winners to 18 this year.”

The athletes and their high schools are:

Cameron Bettinger, Walnut Hills High School
Jared Brewer, Cooper High School
Natalie Cimpello, Madeira High School
Pratt Gibson, Indian Hill High School
Alyse Knapschaefer, Loveland High School
Allison Kopser, Ryle High School
Brett Kramer, Sycamore High School
Sophie Krumm, Walnut Hills High School
William Laslo-Haer, Milford High School
Jocelyn Lauckner, Summit Country Day
Harper Mann, Williamstown Senior High School
Declan McGrath, Princeton High School
Alysse Niewoehner, Oak Hills High School
Marissa Poff, Seton High School
Kenneth Rakes, Ross High School
William Sheets, Covington Catholic High School
Suriya Vijayakumar, Mason High School
Evangeline Widjaja, Springboro High School

The Flying Pig Marathon is committed to inspiring a passion for health and wellness in the youth of Greater Cincinnati. The organization also realizes the importance of education and community service and created this scholarship program for high school students in the Greater Cincinnati area who are pursuing post secondary education.

The scholarships are made possible through the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation and Skyline Chili, among additional donors, including Steve Haussler, Peter Klekamp, Gary Mitchell, Kyle Murray, Scott Miller, Oxford Financial Group, The Paul and Sue Verst Foundation and members of the Pig Works Board of Directors.

Game Day 4/2/25 Game Day 4/2/25

A Lot of Bread

Through Jersey Mike's Month of Giving, CancerFree KIDS raised a record $491,908 to help fund innovative pediatric cancer research projects.

Sandwiches guarantee plenty of bread, but Jersey Mike’s went beyond white, wheat, or rosemary Parm in March.

During March, the official Month of Giving, Jersey Mike’s raised a record $491,908 for CancerFree KIDS . For the local nonprofit, that means more funding for innovative pediatric cancer research projects. Since 2015, Jersey Mike's has raised almost $2,000,000 for CancerFree KIDS.

March kicked off began with a surprise personal donation of $100,000 to CancerFree KIDS from Jersey Mike’s Founder and CEO Peter Cancro, marking the official start of Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving.

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Across the country, each Jersey Mike’s gives 100% of every dollar spent on Wednesday, March 26 to local charities. Additionally, local Jersey Mike's customers could round up for CancerFree KIDS throughout the month of March. The 31 locations in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky continued their 10-year partnership with CancerFree KIDS as their charity of choice.

“We thank all of our local Jersey Mike’s stores and staff for their their tireless efforts in hosting the Month and Day of Giving for CancerFree KIDS, as well as the volunteers, Champion families who visited their local store and everyone who bought a sub to support us,” said Jill Brinck, executive director of CancerFree KIDS. “Combined with the personal donation from Peter to kick off the month, we are thrilled at this record-breaking amount, which will be transformational in funding pediatric cancer research right here at home.”

As a result of the money raised from the Month of Giving, eight CancerFree KIDS research grants have been named in honor of Jersey Mike’s. These grants have gone on to achieve remarkable results, securing $12.9 million in subsequent funding, resulting in five publications and providing crucial support to the development of a new FDA-approved drug for neurofibromatosis.

Game Day 3/25/25 Game Day 3/25/25

A Good Lunch

For Jersey Mike's annual "Day of Giving" on Wednesday, March 26, all 31 area locations will donate 100% of every purchase to CancerFree KIDS.

Jersey Mike’s 15th Annual Day of Giving
Wednesday, March 26

!00% of every purchase will go to CancerFree KIDS.

For a list of restaurants, visit Jersey Mike’s charity listing by state.

Your choice of lunch on Wednesday, March 26 can make a huge difference in the lives of children fighting cancer.

Wednesday is Jersey Mike’s 15th annual “Day of Giving,” and all 31 Cincinnati area Jersey Mike's locations will donate 100% of every purchase to the local charity CancerFree KIDS.

The organizations have partnered on this effort since 2015, resulting in almost $1.4 million in donations. Last year alone, Jersey Mike’s donated a record $330,000 to CancerFree KIDS.

CancerFree KIDS aims to find more effective and gentler treatments for childhood cancer by funding innovative research projects in the early stages of development. New ideas need money to grow, yet potential breakthrough treatment methods often go unfunded because pediatric cancer research is drastically limited.

CancerFree KIDS provides grants to high-risk/high-reward childhood cancer research projects in these crucial early stages, which allows researchers to prove their concept, secure additional funding, and eventually create new treatments for kids.

As a direct result of the money raised from the Month of Giving, eight CancerFree KIDS research grants have been named in honor of Jersey Mike's. These grants have gone on to achieve remarkable results, asecuring $12.9 million in subsequent funding, resulting in five publications and providing crucial support to the development of a new FDA-approved drug for neurofibromatosis.

Throughout the month, Jersey Mike’s customers have been able to round up their bills to donate to local charities at almost 3,000 Jersey Mike’s locations during the 15th Annual “Month of Giving fundraising campaign. But on Wednesday, every dollar spent, not just profits, will go to charity.

So grab lunch, dinner, cater a meal or send subs to your favorite charity to fund the great work at CancerFree KIDS. For a list of restaurants, visit Jersey Mike’s charity listing by state.

Game Day 3/19/25 Game Day 3/19/25

Screen Print

Ohio Goes to the Movies premieres new magazine saluting Ohioans making movie history – past and present.

Ohio can claim a rich heritage in the film industry starting with Thomas Edison who, with his staff, invented the Kinetoscope in 1891.
Great actors and pioneering legends like Clark Gable, Lillian Gish, Dorothy Dandridge, Doris Day, and Paul Newman are Ohioans. Contemporary actors like Halle Berry, Martin Sheen, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Janelle Monae have carried on this tradition. Directors like Steven Spielberg, Jim Jarmusch, Julia Reichert, and the Russo Brothers have all called Ohio home.
Ohio Goes to the Movies is the brainchild of Stephen George, who envisioned a statewide film festival while planning the 2003 Ohio Bicentennial. As executive director of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, he traveled to each of Ohio’s 88 counties to learn about their history. “I always asked people what they were proud of in their community. They often brought up an actor or film connection from their hometown… that’s when the idea struck me,” he explained.
Get the latest on Ohio Goes to the Movies, including plans to honor homegrown movie greats, an exhibit that brings sci-fi films to life, film commission success with films made in Ohio, a film festival profile, and more in the new issue of their digital magazine.
Then subscribe at ohiogoestothemovies.org/newsletters!

Game Day 3/12/25 Game Day 3/12/25

By All Accounts

This week, Fifth Third celebrated the groundbreaking of full-service banking center in Avondale, ending a “bank desert“ in the neighborhood.

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In partnership with the Avondale Development Corporation and other community partners, Fifth Third has made $33.6 million in direct investments into Avondale and helped catalyze $17.9 million from other entitles for a total financial impact of $51.5 million.

Key initiatives include

Blair Lofts: The Fifth Third Community Development Corporation invested $15.5 million into Blair Lofts in 2021. The 64-unit affordable housing development located on Reading Road features one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments, on-site management and amenities that include laundry, resident storage spaces, a community kitchen and a fitness center. Fifth Third also funded wrap-around services such as a move-in care package for residents, financial education workshops, funding so that 55 children could attend a summer camp, furnishing for the community room, and five desktop computers and furnishings for a computer lab.

Carthage Flats: Fifth Third is providing equity and construction financing for Carthage Flats in Cincinnati. Located on Vine Street, Carthage Flats is a 45-unit affordable housing development that has received a 4% low-income housing tax credit award. The property is designed for family households with incomes up to 30-, 50- and 60% of the area median income. All 45 units will operate with Permanent Supportive Housing funding and target those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The housing is being built on a long-vacant site.

Digital Accessibility: Fifth Third has been working to help close the digital divide and bring Avondale residents into the technology mainstream. Key partners in the effort include the Avondale Development Corporation, Uptown Consortium Inc., and the University of Cincinnati. Following a community-wide assessment of the neighborhood and its needs, in fall 2024 the partners began replacing non-functional and outdated equipment at eight housing complexes and adding service in two locations that were not previously served, thanks to funding from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. In early 2025, 319 apartments are expected to have free internet connectivity, including 779 residents and 374 school-age students. Six free outdoor hotspots are also being installed along Reading Road. The final phase includes a neighborhood-wide Wi-Fi project that will provide free and/or discounted servicing throughout all of Avondale.

Many of us take finding an ATM or stopping by the bank for granted. But more than 12 million people live in “banking deserts” with limited access to financial services.

“At Fifth Third, we believe that strong banks need strong communities, and strong communities need strong banks,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third. “We are proud to contribute to the revitalization of Avondale by expanding financial access through this new branch, in addition to many other community investments in recent years.”

This week, Fifth Third and Avondale community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking for a new full-service banking center the neighborhood, which has been without a standalone bank branch for nearly five years.

The new branch is expected to open to the public in late summer or early fall and is among 15 banking centers Fifth Third plans to open in low- and moderate-income (LMI) or high minority (HMT) population census tracts this year. The branch will enable Fifth Third to increase financial access for the community while contributing to the revitalization of Avondale.

Fifth Third prioritizes financial access and neighborhood revitalization through its Neighborhood Program, a community development initiative which creates and implements innovative place-based strategies to effect positive change in historically disinvested neighborhoods across the Bank’s 11-state footprint. As Fifth Third strategically expands and opens new financial centers across the U.S., 30% of new branches in development will be in LMI and/or HMT areas. In addition to new centers, Fifth Third offers its Financial Empowerment Mobile, known as the eBus, and Banking to Go kiosks to address gaps in financial services in underserved communities.

Located in the Avondale Town Center, the new branch will be a model for innovation and sustainability, occupying 2,024 square feet in a storefront along Reading Road. The existing full service drive-up ATM in the town center parking lot will remain. Inside, the center’s open design will make it easy for customers to get quick digital service or discuss more complex banking products, like college savings plans, mortgages, or retirement solutions. The new, streamlined building will feature flexible meeting and seating areas that offer adjustable layers of privacy. The branch is expected to open in late summer or early fall 2025, with Walnut Hills-based Triversity Construction serving as the general contractor. Soul Palette, a local Cincinnati artist, will design and install a mural that celebrates Avondale’s history.

“We are able to celebrate the opening of this Avondale location because of the special bond that exists between our community partners and our local Fifth Third team,” said Tim Elsbrock, president, Fifth Third Bank, Greater Cincinnati Region. “This is the result of many years of conversations, planning and hard work that allowed for a shared commitment to provide resources for the good of our community."

Avondale, Cincinnati’s largest African American community, has experienced decades of disinvestment leading to population decline, aging housing stock and increased poverty.

"The Avondale Development Corporation is excited to welcome Fifth Third to our Avondale community,” said Russell Hairston, executive director of the Avondale Development Corporation. “This is more than just a bank opening; it represents a commitment to Avondale's future. This marks a significant step toward economic empowerment and neighborhood revitalization. By providing accessible financial services, small business support, and homeownership opportunities, Fifth Third is helping to create a more financially inclusive Avondale. We look forward to partnering with them on financial literacy programs, workforce development initiatives, and community investment strategies that will uplift residents and drive sustainable growth, which aligns with ADC’s mission to foster sustainable community development.”

Fifth Third launched its neighborhood program in 2021, taking a place-based approach to community development where the Bank works with a lead partner organization and other local organizations to build ecosystems that drive real change through both financial and social investments. This collective ecosystem approach is focused on identifying solutions to key challenges in partnership with the community, with the goal of creating lasting, transformative change.

Game Day 3/6/25 Game Day 3/6/25

Strength in Numbers

We Mentor Cincy held its inaugural summit, bringing together individuals and organizations to highlight the transformative power of mentoring.

More than 100 people attended the inaugural We Mentor Cincy Summit on Feb. 28 at Digital Futures, which also brought together 11 local mentoring organizations to highlight the transformative power of mentoring in Greater Cincinnati.
Tony Aloise, founder of the Life Solutions Network, was honored with the inaugural We Mentor Cincy Award, which was named for him.
To find out how you can help unlock the potential in Greater Cincinnati’s youth, visit www.wementorcincy.org.

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Game Day 2/27/25 Game Day 2/27/25

All Hands on Deck

Riverboat captains from five cities – Louisville, Memphis, Moline, New Orleans and Pittsburgh – joined BB Riverboat captains in Cincinnati to meet with community leaders and organizers of the America’s River Roots Festival to discuss plans for the event, coming to the Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport riverfronts Oct. 8-12.

Cruise into history and adventure this Fall with America’s River Roots!

To make sure everyone is on board for this huge event, riverboat captains from five cities – Louisville, Memphis, Moline, New Orleans and Pittsburgh – joined captains from Cincinnati to prepare for America’s River Roots Festival for meetings last week. The event marked the first meeting of the captains who will be operating more than 175 cruises in the festival, coming to the Cincinnati riverfront Oct. 8-12.

During the two-day event at in Cincinnati, the captains met with community leaders and organizers of America’s River Roots, and discussed the event’s riverboat parades, riverboat races and meal cruises on the Ohio River, safety protocols and communication plans.

America’s River Roots will showcase the Ohio River and its vital role in our nation’s history while promoting cultural tourism in what promises to be a unique and memorable five days for the Cincy region.

Tickets are currently available for sightseeing and themed cruises aboard each of the boats that will be part of the America’s River Roots celebration. Find out more at www.americasriverroots.com/cruise.

Game Day 2/20/25 Game Day 2/20/25

Just Getting Started

Summerfair Cincinnati celebrated the winners of this year's "Emerging Artists" exhibition during the opening reception at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

Last week's opening reception for Summerfair Cincinnati’s Emerging Artists exhibition was a celebration for family and friends at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3412 Clifton Ave.

This annual exhibition features works by junior and senior art students from Greater Cincinnati colleges, with participants nominated by their professors.

Summerfair also recognized this year’s winners.

Jerry Bollen Award: Madison Taylor, Mount St. Joseph University
First Place: Kerigan Pollard, Mount St. Joseph University
Second Place: Sophia Kroto, UC–DAAP
Third Place: Ethan Fessler, UC–DAAP

The Emerging Artists exhibition continues through Feb. 28. The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

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Madison Taylor, Mount St. Joseph University, winner of Jerry Bollen Award, with Jayne Utter, Summerfair’s managing director and Jill Conway, Summerfair’s board president.

Kerigan Pollard, Mount St. Joseph University, first place winner, with Jayne Utter, Summerfair’s managing director and Jill Conway, Summerfair’s board president.

Sophia Kroto, UC–DAAP, second place winner, with Jayne Utter, Summerfair’s managing director and Jill Conway, Summerfair’s board president.

Ethan Fessler, UC–DAAP, third place winner, with Jayne Utter, Summerfair’s managing director and Jill Conway, Summerfair’s board president.

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Photos: Tasha Pinelo

Game Day 2/13/25 Game Day 2/13/25

Saying I Love You

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is spreading kindness and connection with the “1,000 I Love Yous“ project, to bring love and smiles to our community.

Love is in the cards this Valentine’s Day, and the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is making sure it reaches every corner of our community.

How to share the love…

Visit a participating YMCA location
Pick up your free Hallmark Valentine’s Day card
Write a heartfelt message
Drop it in the box and let the YMCA send it to your someone special

This Valentine’s season, the organization is giving members a heartfelt way to connect through its “1,000 I Love Yous” initiative.

Through this heartwarming program, YMCA members can send free Hallmark Valentine’s Day cards to their loved ones—because nothing says “I love you” like a handwritten note straight from the heart. The effort is part of the YWCA’s ongoing mission to strengthen relationships and build a more connected community, one love note at a time.

The goal was 1,000 cards, but now the YMCA is shooting for 3,000 love notes before the end of the week.

“We know relationships are so important and this type of programming is a key to our mission: improving family relationships and friendships. It's a big part of what we do at the Y,”said Jeff Saunders, vice president of brand experience at YWCA of Greater Cincinnati. "Bonus points if you send a card to someone you haven't said ‘I love you’ to in a while.”

Members can stop by all YMCA locations to sign and address their free cards, and the YMCA will take care of postage and mail them to their loved ones!

Game Day 2/6/25 Game Day 2/6/25

That’s a Wrap

Cinema and snow met in Sundance! Betsy Ross has the a dispatch from the annual film festival, including not-to-miss movies.

The 46th edition of Utah’s Sundance Film Festival, while remaining a must-do for cinephiles, admittedly has a different vibe this year.

First, Park City’s Main Street, the principal destination for fest-goers, looks different since police barricades at the top and bottom of the street make it a pedestrian-only thoroughfare. (More on that later…)

Second, the usually snowy Wasatch Mountains surrounding Park City are nearly barren. While New Orleans got more than 8 inches of snow last week, Salt Lake City has received barely 6 inches for the season and the Wasatch Range’s snow drought of 2024 continues in 2025, with some areas reporting less than 60% of normal snow/water equivalent.

Third, is the undercurrent of Sundance’s possible move, with Salt Lake/Park City one of three finalists, along with Boulder, Colorado and, of course, Cincinnati as the new home for the iconic film festival. While no decision is expected until spring, it certainly was the early talk of the festival.

While we await the decision, let’s remember that Sundance is, first and foremost, a tradeshow for movie makers looking for buyers for their films. It is the premiere showcase for independent filmmakers, with nearly 16,000 submissions from 33 countries vying for one of the 88 film (and six episodic) projects making the cut this year. On top of that, it’s an economic boon for the host. The festival’s total economic impact in 2024, according to the festival, was estimated at $132 million, generating an estimated 1,730 jobs for Utah and generating $13.8 million in state and local tax revenue.

If the film’s the thing, then filmgoers had plenty to sample this year. Remembering that Sundance is a showcase for distributors looking for the next “CODA” or “Sex, Lies and Videotape,” Variety came out with its top picks for this year, including

“Kiss of the Spider Woman” with Jennifer Lopez, based more on the Broadway adaptation than the 1985 film of the same name.
“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” a documentary of the Oscar winner’s career and her activism within the deaf community.
‘Jimpa,” where we see John Lithgow (ALL of him, if you get what I mean) as a gay grandfather living in Amsterdam. His daughter (Olivia Coleman) visits from Australia with her nonbinary child that Lithgow lovingly calls his “grandthing.”
“Pee-wee as Himself,” a documentary where Paul Reubens talks about his career, his alter-ego Pee-wee Herman and his personal life. It truly is the last word on Reuben’s career, as he died in 2023, the day after recording his last interview for the documentary.

The movies go on, with increased police presence visible all around the festival. After the mass killing in New Orleans on New Year’s, law enforcement made the decision to close off Main Street and secure side streets going into the heart of town. While some feared the restrictions would cut down on retail and restaurant traffic, the opposite seems to be the case, at least through the first weekend. Attendees seemed to relish the open spaces of the street, and retailers liked the foot traffic unincumbered by parked cars, delivery trucks and piles of snow (remember, it hasn’t snowed a lot).

At the close of Sundance, the grand jury award winners included “Atropia,” in U.S. Dramatic competition; “Seeds,” U.S. Documentary competition; “Sabar Bonda” (Cactus Pears), World Cinema Dramatic competition, and “Cutting Through Rocks,” World Cinema Documentary competition. The NEXT Innovator Award presented by Adobe went to “Zodiac Killer Project.”

It was hard to go to a movie screening this week without running into someone from Cincinnati, as the region’s business, civic and arts leaders were out to experience the Sundance magic along with Film Cincinnati, the non-profit that brings new productions into the Greater Cincinnati area. In between the premieres and the parties, there’s serious business that happens at Sundance, nnd Cincinnati is right in the middle of it.

Game Day 1/30/25 Game Day 1/30/25

Stay Cool

Check out all the fun from last Saturday, as Special Olympics Ohio made waves at the Cincinnati Polar Plunge to raise money to support its athletes.

This past Saturday, hundreds of brave souls said “Come on in the water is fine!” during Cincinnati Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio at The Banks.

The Polar Plunge is their largest community fundraising event benefiting athletes. This year, the event raised incredible $95,000.

In order to participate, individuals or teams collect had pledges to make the icy plunge in the name of inclusion. The commitment from plungers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters helps Special Olympics empower athletes of all abilities and spread the message of inclusion far and wide.

Did you miss out? It's not too late to donate. You can still make a donation at sooh.org/polar-plung

Game Day 1/15/25 Game Day 1/15/25

Picture of Health

Joe Burrow Foundation and other local organizations invite students to apply for a grant for World Teen Mental Wellness Day. Find out how!

Do you know a student who is committed to supporting wellness and mental health for other young people?

The Joe Burrow Foundation invites Greater Baton Rouge, Greater Cincinnati, and Southeast Ohio students in grades 7–12 to develop and participate in activities commemorating World Teen Mental Wellness Day.

Find more information and apply at joeburrow.org/programs/world-teen-mental-wellness-day.

The Joe Burrow Foundation, bi3, Hopeful Empowered Youth (HEY!), Interact for Health, and the Rain Will Bring Flowers Foundation are inviting students to participate in World Teen Mental Wellness Day at their school.

In support of World Teen Mental Wellness Day, the Joe Burrow Foundation and partner organizations are awarding up to$1,000 per school to promote the day and raise awareness. The deadline to apply is Jan. 24.

The grant can be used by students to plan programs for World Teen Mental Wellness Day. These include wellness initiatives, raising awareness about mental health resources, and inspiring others to engage in self-care.

World Teen Mental Wellness Day, March 2, is observed annually to raise awareness of the mental health issues faced by teenagers, promote mental wellness, and determine solutions.

Each school can submit one application. Plans to promote World Teen Mental Wellness Day should:

Reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and accessing care
Increase awareness about the mental health resources available to students within your school and communities
Encourage students to participate in wellness activities

Some ideas include:

Promote the day on social media
Create gear to wear on World Teen Mental Wellness Day
Raise awareness for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Inspire students to engage in self-care
Set up resource tables on campus
Give students stress balls or other helpful items
Breathing exercises with entire school
Yoga or other physical activities with students

Game Day 1/9/25 Game Day 1/9/25

Best and Brightest

BLINK was recently honored with the Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio, along with other outstanding Ohioans and arts organizations.

We loved BLINK. You loved BLINK. Now Ohio loves BLINK!

2025 Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio

Arts Administration

Zachary Thomas | Cleveland (Cuyahoga County)

Arts Education (co-winners)

Padma Chebrolu | Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
James Swearingen | Grove City (Franklin County)

Arts Support (co-winners)

Sara Jane DeHoff | Perrysburg (Wood County)
WYSO-FM | Yellow Springs (Greene County)

Community Development and Participation (co-winners)

William Henry Caldwell | Dayton (Montgomery County)
Artsbridge, Inc. | Marietta (Washington County)

Individual Artist

Gerardo Teissonnière | Cleveland (Cuyahoga County)

Irma Lazarus

BLINK | Cincinnati (Hamilton County)

Hailing from all corners of the state, nine outstanding Ohioans and arts organizations were selected to receive a Governor’s Award for the Arts in Ohio this year.

BLINK, the nation’s largest art and light festival, was honored with the earned the Irma Lazarus Award as part of the 2025 Ohio Governor's Awards..

A tradition since 1971, the Governor's Awards showcase and celebrate exceptional Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and supporters, and educators. Award recipients are presented with the only arts award in the state that is conferred by the governor.

"Through their work, this year’s Governor’s Awards winners have brought positive national and international acclaim to Ohio,” said OAC Executive Director Donna S. Collins. “Their artistic talents and contributions have improved the lives of Ohio’s residents. These honorees share efforts that align with the Ohio Arts Council’s mission to strengthen our communities culturally, educationally, and economically.”

Additionally, Charley Moses, chair of the Capitol Square Foundation and board president of the Ohio History Connection, will receive a special recognition from the Ohio Arts Council’s board for his work to advance the arts throughout the state.

In recognition of their impactful and visionary leadership in Ohio’s creative sector and their sustained dedication to promoting artistic excellence, awardees will be honored during a ceremony on May 28. Each of the winners will receive an original work of art by painter Tara Yarzand of Sylvania.

Game Day 12/18/24 Game Day 12/18/24

Making Good

The Joe Burrow Foundation recently delivered holiday boxes to families in need in Cincinnati, with more on the way to Athen, Ohio and Baton Rouge, LA.

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

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

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

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