The Cincinnati Enquirer

Bette Sherman shows her collection of vintage "stuff" that decorates her Wyoming home, where she will speak March 7. (Enquirer file photo)

Escape the winter blahs with Sunday Salons, a series of brunches, lunches, teas and suppers featuring speakers on timely and inspiring local and national topics.

The series, hosted Feb. 8-March 28 in Greater Cincinnati homes, will benefit the Rape Crisis & Abuse Center of Hamilton County (formerly Women Helping Women), a nonprofit provider of crisis intervention and support services for direct and indirect victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking.

The schedule:

Feb. 8: Sweet Success: Tales - and Tastes - of the Bonbonerie, Sharon Butler and Mary Pat Pace, owners of the Bonbonerie bakery, 1-3 p.m., home of Tamara Harkavy, Norwood. Cost: $45 (limited to 25 guests).

Feb. 8: Rounding Third and Heading for Home, Greg Rhodes, author and Cincinnati Reds historian, 1-3 p.m., home of Jan and Owen Wrassman, Western Hills. Cost: $45 (limited to 25 guests).

Feb. 15: Islam and Women: Myth and Reality, Shakila Ahmad, tours and talks coordinator for Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, 4-6 p.m., home of Cathy and Tom Crain, Adams Landing, downtown. Cost: $50 (limited to 40 guests).

Feb. 15: A Fine Romance: The Magic of Music, Kathy Wade, entertainer and jazz vocalist, 2-4 p.m., home of Susan Burns, Mariemont. Cost: $45 (limited to 30 guests).

Feb. 22: Saving Spaces: Preserving the Probasco Home, Walter E. Langsam, author and historic preservation expert, 2-4 p.m., home of Ruthann and Jim Sammarco, Clifton. Cost: $45 (limited to 25 guests).

Feb. 22: Live from Marilyn's Kitchen, Marilyn Harris, cookbook author, radio talk show host and Enquirer contributor, 4-6 p.m., home of Dr. and Mrs. Adel M. Tawadros, River's Bend, Maineville. Cost: $65 (limited to 35 guests).

Feb. 29: Move over, Ernest & Julio, David Schildknecht, wine import director for Vintner Select, 2-4 p.m., home of Barbara and Pat Ryan, rural Clermont County. Cost: $50 (limited to 35 guests).

Feb. 29: The envelope, please..., Jackie Demaline, Enquirer arts writer, and Ed Stern, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 4-6 p.m., home of Iris and Jim Bush, Anderson Township. Cost: $65 (limited to 35 guests).

March 7: We Are What We Wear: A Century in Fashion, Bette Sherman, collector and fashion stylist, 2-4 p.m., hosted by Sara Shell and Sherman at Sherman's home, Wyoming. Cost: $50 (limited to 25 guests).

March 7: Pictures Worth a Thousand Words, Loren Long, illustrator, 2-4 p.m., home of Mary and William Moran, Mount Adams. Cost: $45 (limited to 30 guests).

March 14: Moving On - Thoughts on Starting a New Chapter, Laura Pulfer, writer and commentator, 1-3 p.m., home of Peggy and Bruce Greenberg, Indian Hill. Cost: $45 (limited to 50 guests).

March 14: Exposing Art in a Buttoned Up Town, Thom Collins, senior curator at Contemporary Arts Center, 2-4 p.m., home of Sara M. Vance and Michelle Waddell, Indian Hill. Cost: $50 (limited to 25 guests).

March 21: Building Bridges: Reflections on the Queen City's Crown, Roxanne Qualls, former Cincinnati mayor and visiting professor at Northern Kentucky University, 1-3 p.m., home of John Dallman and Katie Whelan, Amberley Village. Cost: $50 (limited to 40 guests).

March 21: Can You Hear Me Now? Conversation with a Psychic, Mary Lou Ackermann, counselor, teacher and lecturer, 2-4 p.m., home of Kay French, East Walnut Hills. Cost: $50 (limited to 25 guests).

March 28: Color in Your Garden, Steve Foltz, director of horticulture for Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 12:30-2:30 p.m., home of Chris and Laurie Steuri, Indian Hill. Cost: $45 (limited to 25 guests).

March 28: Woman Reinvented, Carol Sherman Jones, author and former owner of Carol's On Main, 2-4 p.m., home of Lisa Lybrook, Loveland. Cost: $45 (limited to 25 guests).

Sunday Salon Reservation Line: 765-5991. Reservations are taken in order payment is received. To guarantee your place, confirm with Master Card or Visa. Call the same number to receive a Sunday Salon brochure.