Forty-two years ago, Larry and I, along with our 17-month-old daughter, embarked on a life-changing journey. In a dramatic manner, God called us in 1977 to leave all that we held dear, and follow His divine will to go and live covertly behind the Iron Curtain in Communist Poland.

Many “green” building practices are becoming standard-place in the home design business – things like low water-usage plumbing, renewable material selections, construction waste reduction, wind turbines and solar panels. Whether trying to reduce monthly utility bills, capture a tax savings or simply reduce one’s impact on the environment, many buyers are looking for greener options.

The big Art Deco clock on the outside. The majestic mosaic murals on the inside. The spacious rotunda dotted with little ticket windows. My mother returning from a trip. My older sister’s best friend, Ann – for whom I am named – arriving for a visit, during which time she taught me how to jump rope.

From Over-the-Rhine to Newport, from Glendale to Montgomery and dozens of in-fills and tear-downs in between, a tremendous amount of historical renovation is going on in Greater Cincinnati.

Stanley E. Romanstein first walked the halls of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) as a graduate student in the late 1970s. Appointed as Dean of CCM in July 2018, he is working with faculty, staff, alumni and community members to ensure that the internationally renowned institution continues to meet the needs of the next generation of students.

The Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel is excited to once again host the Karen Wellington Foundation’s (KWF) biggest fundraiser, “Forever in Bloom,” on April 5. The annual event ensures “FUN NOW” is continually etched on the calendars of women battling breast cancer.

High-spirited entertainment, guests spontaneously jumping up to dance, entertainers swinging from the ceiling, puppies that sell for $15,000…this might sound like a lively party, but instead these are things that tend to happen at the annual JDRF Cincinnatians of the Year Gala. Many people tend to think of nonprofit black-tie gala fundraisers as boring affairs, with lots of talking and a barely edible chicken dinner, but JDRF prides itself in breaking the mold of traditional galas by hosting a full-fledged and immersive extravaganza.

Life took an unexpected turn for the Cramer family during a girls’ lacrosse game 15 years ago. “Our daughter Molly was out running down the field and then she just passed out,” remembers Laura Cramer. “Here is this super healthy 12-year-old girl collapsed on the field and then quickly in the emergency room at Children’s. Despite a lot of testing, doctors didn’t seem to know right away what was going on until they tested her blood sugar. They very quickly knew that Molly had Type 1 diabetes.”

“Putting it simply, there is a growing need for comprehensive education, behavioral and health services for youth in Greater Cincinnati,” said John Banchy, president and CEO of The Children’s Home of Cincinnati. “Our agency remains at the forefront of tackling issues that affect the most vulnerable in our community.”

Explosions of color! Bursts of memorable sights and sounds! Joy-filled fun that erupts all day long! The multichromatic kaleidoscope of memory-making stories that defines each visitor’s adventure at one of Cincinnati’s 100-plus parks and green spaces is the heart of the 2019 Hats Off Luncheon, returning to the John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park on Friday, May 10.

If you grew up in Cincinnati, it’s likely your perception of Mill Creek was that it was awful, certainly not somewhere you wanted to go to fish or revel in nature’s beauty. In fact, in 1997, Mill Creek was named the most endangered urban stream in North America.

When imagining the perfect warm spring or summer day, nothing comes to mind faster for many than a golf course. For Todd Johnson, it’s not only a hobby, but his entire career.

Voltage Furniture – the name vividly describes the company, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, as it continues to offer unique, modern, high-end European furniture, lighting and accessories, forever sparking the interests of distinguished clientele throughout Cincinnati and the Tri-state.

Beatriz H. Porras, M.D. is the founder and medical director of Skin Diagnostics Laser & Rejuvenation in Cincinnati. Dr. Porras specializes in Cosmetic and General Dermatology and has extensive training and experience of more than 20 years. Her passion for dermatology started in her early childhood in her native Colombia, where her maternal grandfather died of melanoma.

Her last role at Procter & Gamble (P&G) before retiring after 26 years was vice president of sales, leading the company’s $8.5 billion retail grocery business. During that time, Beverly Grant – recently named chair of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) Board of Directors – was a dedicated participant in multiple grocery industry trade associations. She served on the Food Marketing Institute’s advisory board and the Industry Affairs and Trading Partner Alliance committees for the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, where she was an instrumental voice in identifying issues of concern shared by retailers and manufacturers alike.

Women often wear many hats – wife/partner, mother, daughter, household manager – the list goes on and on before considering the role of doctor, which is one of the most demanding in terms of time and energy, says Kavitha Sivaraman, M.D., an ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery and medical and surgical diseases of the cornea at Cincinnati Eye Institute (CEI) in Blue Ash. Sivaraman recently donned a new hat as founder of a supportive community of women who share this mutual – and challenge-laden – experience.

Choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring or exquisite piece of high-end fashion jewelry can be exciting. Or it can be nerve-wracking. Thanks to Jimmy Stafford, owner, and Michele Randle, manager at Stafford Jewelers at Kenwood Towne Centre, purchasing either is a joyous occasion guaranteed to bring a sparkle to your or your loved one’s eye.