Emanuel Community Center’s 2012 Triumph Awards will honor three prominent area leaders for their outstanding contributions to the community. The dinner gala, scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2012, will be held at The Madison Event Center in Covington, Kentucky. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m.; ticket prices are $75 per person.

This year’s honorees are Edwin Rigaud, President & CEO, Enova Premier, Director of Taft Business Consulting LLC; Victoria Morgan, Artistic Director & CEO, Cincinnati Ballet; and Yvonne Gray Washington, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Greater Cincinnati. WLWT anchorman Courtis Fuller will once again preside as Master of Ceremonies.

Zo Wesson

Alphonzo “Zo” Wesson’s life-long love affair with the camera began when he was a young boy living in the south side of Chicago.  He discovered early on that he was a natural at shooting images. Practicing with a Polaroid camera and Hot Wheels, Zo mimicked camera angles he saw in the cartoon series Speed Racer. Soon he was creating mini-movies using a series of photos in a flip book, fueling his passion for the art of film making.

One of Zo’s fondest memories is of a kindly old gentleman who owned a neighborhood bookstore. There were no books in Zo’s school library on film making so he frequently ‘borrowed’ books from the store. Years later when Zo won his first Chicago Emmy for directing a local project, he returned to the store to pay for the books. The old gentleman accepted the money, saying he knew along that Zo was the book bandit. The shop owner’s tolerance and compassion enabled Zo to self-educate and go on to win 18 regional Emmys.

Following several years as an independent film maker and in-house commercial director for Proctor & Gamble, Zo founded The Zomotion Picture Company in 2001. He directs at least one network reality show a year and continues to shoot short film narratives and documentaries. Recognizable television credits include, Making the Band, The Real World, Chicago, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Zo also directs national commercials including some for McDonald’s, Tide, Always, and Sunny Delight.

In his spare time, Zo pursues his passion for mentoring at-risk youth. He has mentored dozens of young people through his community film workshops and as a result, many of his pupils found careers in the arts. With new technology leading the way, Zo believes that the future in the film industry is bright. He is also quick to add this word of advice to students looking to learn: a good motion picture or TV commercial comes down to four simple words, “tell me a story.”

If you haven’t already made your reservations, better hurry. The event takes place August 18 at The Phoenix downtown, starting at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $37 per person and can be purchased online. See you there!

Nicole Ware, President and CEO, Emanuel Community Center

Emanuel Community Center, the 140-year old resource for a cohesive community, providing education and shared neighborhood experiences that connect all residents of Over-the-Rhine, recently announced a new president and CEO for the organization. Nicole Ware will assume the post August 1, 2011. She succeeds Karyl Cunningham who has led the organization since 2003.

Prior to assuming the position, Nicole oversaw the youth workforce development system for the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board.  Her background includes extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, capacity building, marketing and community relations for community and corporate organizations.

“I have been given the opportunity to build upon Emanuel’s momentum in the area of early learning and community engagement. Over-the-Rhine is at the precipice of a renaissance. It is invigorating to lead this organization at a time when OTR has the potential to coalesce all who call Cincinnati home,” Nicole says.

Nicole received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University. She is a resident of West Price Hill and the mother of three. For more information, contact gail@emanuelcenter.org or call 241-2563.

ECC President Russ Naber addresses 2010 attendees

Emanuel Community Center’s Seventh Annual Women of Over-the-Rhine Stories of Success Awards will honor five women whose outstanding contributions have had a positive impact on the Over-the-Rhine community. The luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, August 18^th, 2011, will be held at The Phoenix, located at 812 Race St. in Cincinnati. Ticket prices are $37 per person and reservations are required.

2011 honorees include: Karen Blatt, President, Symphony Hotel & Restaurant; Tamara Harkavy, Director, Artworks; Mary McCullough-Hudson, President and CEO, ArtsWave; Candace Klein, Founder, Bad Girl Ventures; and Jenny White, Owner, Boost – for meeting’s sake.

“Since its founding, the event has grown in popularity and prestige,” said Karyl Cunningham, CEO of Emanuel Community Center. “It started as a modest luncheon acknowledging women for their extraordinary work in Over-the-Rhine and has blossomed to a sell-out event. I think it’s a testament to the passion and commitment these ladies have for our neighborhood and the vision shared by their ardent supporters.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Emanuel Community Center (ECC), a non-profit whose mission it is to be a “resource for a cohesive community, providing education and shared neighborhood experiences that connect all residents of Over-the-Rhine.” ECC has been serving the OTR community for 140 years by providing early childhood education and community programs in the areas of health and wellness, arts and culture and neighborhood events.

Tickets can be purchased online or by check or credit card. Mail your reservation requests to: WOTR, c/o Emanuel Community Center, 1308 Race St. Cincinnati, 45202. For more information, please contact Karyl Cunningham, Emanuel Community Center, 513-241-2563, ext. 24, or Gail Moe, ext. 32.

At Emanuel, we know that regular exercise is vital to living a long and healthy life. Studies have shown that exercise is not only beneficial for physical health; it can also improve your overall mood. As a result, you will look amazing, feel great, and live longer!

Emanuel offers OTR Jazzercise and OTR Boot Camp so that our community members can take advantage of the benefits of exercise. In addition, neighbors are able to bond with each other and create lasting relationships while burning calories and having fun! Read on to find out more about these exciting opportunities at Emanuel!

Emanuel Community Center has a new tenant, and they’re opening their doors with a vintage bang. The Living History Dance School will be hosting its grand opening workshop on Sunday, June 5th, beginning at 2 pm. Sunday’s swing workshop will be a Blues Crash Course for all levels of dancers– including those who have never danced before. 

 Saturday, May 21^st
10:00 and 11:30am
EmanuelCommunity Center
Second Floor

Linton’s Peanut Butter and Jam sessions provide children, ages two to six with their families the opportunity to enjoy classical music together.  This series is educational, entertaining, and interactive.  Peanut butter and Jam Sessions is award-winning concert series that will touch, teach and enrich your child’s life. 

For more information, please Email us using our Contact Us page or call 513-241-2563.