Cincinnati Magazine - May 2020 Edition

Restaurants Rally in Uncertain Times

by MAGGIE HEATH-BOURNE

our

Dean Regas, Our Guide to the Galaxy

PETS, our FRIENDS A CE LEB R AT ION OF OUR FA ITHFU L COM PANIONS

Why we need them more than ever

by MICHELE DAY

Yes, Jimmy Page Played the St. Xavier Prom

by LISA MURTHA

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A Message From Jim Downton Executive Director, Sharonville Convention Center

Due to the continued health risks associated with COVID-19, the Sharonville Convention Center, in partnership with the City of Sharonville and Hamilton County Public Health, has postponed events through May 1, 2020.

We are committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our clients, attendees and staff, and partners in the community. We will continue to monitor the developments of the Coronavirus Disease and follow the recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Governor Mike DeWine.

We understand the devastating impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on the meetings and events industry and the sacrifices our customers are making to keep everyone safe. Due to the forced cancellations and postponements of our events, we recognize there is a lot of uncertainty. However, we want to assure you that we are here for you and our community partners during this trying time.

The Sharonville Convention Center is here to help. We are dedicated to assisting you as you look to select new dates and reschedule or book your event. We’re flexible and will work with you to navigate the next steps.

When the time comes, the Sharonville Convention Center will be ready to welcome you back. We are looking forward to reopening and to the expansion of the Center next year.

We look forward to being a strong and reliable destination partner during your future meetings and events in Sharonville.

And, most of all, we look forward to seeing you return. To stay up to date, visit www.sharonvilleconventioncenter.com.

Contact Lisa Hodge to reserve your date 513.326.6465 • lhodge@cityofsharonville.com 11355 Chester Road • Cincinnati, OH 45246 www.sharonvilleconventioncenter.com Now Open!

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SEVEN HEAVEN Heather Hauser raises guinea pigs, some of which she trains as therapy animals. Her brood includes (from left) Rapunzel, Kristoff, Elsa, Tiana, Olaf, Anna, and Jasmine.

P.

40

PETS GUIDE Meet proud pet parents, figure out which type of companion is right for you, and learn about organizations in our region that can help you and your animal friends—furry, feathered, or otherwise—live your best lives.

CINCINNATI’S ACCIDENTAL GUIDE TO THE GALAXY

MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE?

Dean Regas took a winding path to his role at the Cincinnati Observatory, where he’s the custodian of the 175-year-old Merz & Mahler telescope and an enthusiastic guide to the wonder in our skies.

BY LISA MURTHA

P. 54

P. 58

In 1968, the senior class at St. Xavier High School joined with the junior class to host a combined prom. Their entertainment? A little band called the Yardbirds, featuring a lead guitarist named Jimmy Page.

BY M I C H E L E DAY PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN STEEGE

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 5

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12 / LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 14 / FEEDBACK

RADAR

ON OUR SITE

26 / REAL ESTATE Aston Oaks Manor in North Bend

28 / STYLE COUNSEL

FRONTLINES

Morgan Owens brings her #girlboss energy

The highs and lows of legal weed in Ohio

Isaiah Kelly’s Smoove Creations customizes your shoes

17 / DISPATCH

18 / SPEAK EASY Cincinnati Nature Center director Jeffrey Corney

18 / EDUCATION

FOOD NEWS

An extra serving of our outstanding dining coverage.

30 / HOMEGROWN

32 / ESCAPE Athens, Ohio, is more than a college town

Exploring museums, the zoo, and libraries from home

18 / ANTICIPATION METER How we feel about what’s next

20 / LOCAL FLAVOR

COLUMNS

105 / HOT PLATE

What selfies really mean

105 / TABLESIDE WITH. . .

34 / WELCOME TO MIDDLEHOOD

BY JUDI KETTELER

38 / CITY WISE

Morgan Hughes, maître d’hôtel, Orchids

Could the Bethel flashes be aliens?

107 / DINING GUIDE

Bring some color into the world this spring

BY JIM DeBROSSE

22 / DR. KNOW

The Eden Park Pump Station

Your QC questions answered

Parlor on Seventh, Covington

112 / CINCY OBSCURA

BY KATIE COBURN

DINE

102 / OFF THE MENU How restaurants are responding to COVID-19

104 / TAKEOUT HERO

CITY NEWS

Decoding our civic DNA, from history to politics to personalities.

Greater Cincinnati restaurants: A selective list

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photograph by AARON M. CONWAY

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LISTEN TO LEARN MORE On this month’s episode, we dive behind the scenes of our Pets Guide, plus other stories and events we’re excited to share. Subscribe and listen on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.

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PAGE 83 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Congratulations TO OUR 2020 RECIPIENTS

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CONTRIBUTORS

JIM DeBROSSE

WE HAD ALWAYS PLANNED TO RUN OUR PETS GUIDE (PAGE 40) IN THE MAY ISSUE .

And then, just after shipping our April issue to the printer at the beginning of March, the world came unglued. In a matter of days and weeks, a new vocabulary emerged to describe our reordered reality: COVID-19, social distancing, shelter in place, N95 masks, Zoom.

As we began working from home, our pets curled up next to us, rubbed up against our computers, squawked for attention, and interrupted video conference calls. But in a new routine of isolation and uncertainty, their companionship and loyalty has been a welcome relief. We’re fortunate that the virus doesn’t pass between humans and our pets.

So our Pets Guide feels like a timely ode to relationships that sustain us through tough times and that, perhaps, we take for granted at other times. They don’t ask us for much in return, except to be petted, scratched, fed, groomed, pampered, looked after when we go on vacation . . . OK, they ask for a lot in return.

But it’s a two-way street, right? We pet owners have responsibilities, and so do they—mainly to be there when we need them. And we really need them now.

One of the silver linings during the pandemic has been an overall increase in the number of dogs and cats being adopted from shelters, even as shelters became less accessible to the public. We’ve all had to stay apart from each other, even family, so it’s natural that more of us are seeking personal connections with pets.

They don’t care that you’re stuck in the house, that your kids are bored, or that you lost your job—they just want to hang out with you or, in the case of my cat, blithely ignore you. No questions asked.

We’ve seen some other silver linings during this mess, mostly in newfound or newly expressed appreciation for “essential” frontline workers and for competent government leadership. When we finally get back to some kind of normal, I hope we retain this appreciation for each other. And remember who our loyal, faithful friends and companions really are.

J O H N F OX

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

1 2 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

ILLUSTR ATIO N BY L A R S LEE TA RU

“As someone who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, in the shadow of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, I can tell you there’s more going on out there than anyone will tell us,” says contributing editor Jim DeBrosse. By “out there,” he means space, in which we are possibly not alone. For “Trash Talk the UFOs” (page 38), DeBrosse talks to Tim Walker and his daughter, whose doorbell camera captured some mysterious orange lights in the sky over Bethel in January.

BRIAN STEEGE Patience is everything for photographer Brian Steege—especially with his subjects. For seven years, he’s photographed cats, dogs, and a collection of other critters for the likes of Procter & Gamble, Iams, and Cat’s Pride. “Well, it’s a lot more difficult to get them to do what you want,” he says. In “Proud Pet Parents” (page 48), Steege hopes readers realize that even recognizable names around the city have sweet companions to come home to. “Pets are just part of the fabric of life for most people,” he says.

CEDRIC ROSE Frequent hiking trips at the Cincinnati Nature Center inspired Cedric Rose to shine a light on the CNC’s rich resources by interviewing executive director Jeffrey Corney in “Mother Nature’s Son” (page 18). “It can be a really transforming thing to have a place that your family can experience and then you return to over and over again,” Rose says.

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LISTEN CLOSELY I had never heard of Theda Bara until after reading your enlightening and interesting article (“Theda Bara Is Finally Making Noise,” February). By total coincidence, the next day I was rewatching a Downton Abbey episode and Theda Bara was referenced in a conversation over tea between head butler Mr. Carson and head housekeeper Mrs. Hughes. I couldn’t believe it and had to rewind to confirm, but there you go! A crazy connection and certainly one that I would never have picked up prior to reading the article.

—MARY McKEOWN, VIA E-MAIL

THIS DOGGY KNOWS EASTER In March, a sweet two-legged doggo wheeled his way into the hearts of dog-lovers worldwide in his viral bid to become the next Cadbury “Bunny.” Naturally, the inspiring New Richmond hound won the competition, we suspect with the support of some of our readers, judging from the comments when we shared the pup’s touching story. “Yay!!! I hope he wins,” said Liz-Mike Fleming. “Such a special little guy—and the dedication and care this couple provides him—AMAZING!!!”

David Dodge said, “Go get ’em, Dan—show ’em how it’s done!!!!!!” “Lt. Dan...is my hero,” said Leslie M. Bliman-Kuretzky on our website. “What a dog and BEST OF ALL, HE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (Can you sense the enthusiasm?) “Such a sweet face,” said Jerry Hartmann. “Lt. Dan is amazing! He is happy and full of love despite his physical limitations. That shows us to keep on keeping on.”

And that’s exactly what we needed.

FOR LOVE OR MONEY On our website, we shared an 1878 Italianate mansion in Hyde Park’s Observatory Historic District that went on the market in March.

When the home’s owners, who are now selling, purchased the place in the 1990s, it hadn’t been renovated since the ’60s. On top of that, it needed some major TLC after sitting empty for three years. They embarked on an extensive six-month overhaul, replacing much of the building’s floors, ceilings, and cabinets and adding a sunroom. A few commenters on Facebook appreciated the upgrades (“Beautiful!” said Dottie Pollard and Terry Beverly Sexton. “Amazing!” said Bonnie Long. “I love this house,” said David Hummel.

“Great street.”), but there were just as many naysayers. “Wow, what a cool house that they wrecked removing all of that historic material,” said Wesley Zimmerman. “It hardly looks like an old house on the inside anymore.” Shirech Snevets had a similar senti-

ment: “Don’t tear down its history.” Property value won out over historic value for a couple of readers. “Tear it down for the tax credits in good old Cincy!” said Kim Lamping. And Allen Howard said, “Tear it down [and] build three McMansions on the ground. Property taxes are $500 a month.” Ruthless!

PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK A revisit from our archives, “Graffiti Alley” (August 2018), exploring the east side’s graffiti-covered Duck Creek alley, regained attention online in March as readers were eager to venture outdoors as weather warmed up and “physical distancing” orders were put in place. On our website, Joann Botto reminisced, “I grew up on Brotherton, close to this, and played there before it was like this. It was a creek with banks, just natural and beautiful with all the greenery.

In winter we ice skated on it!!” Connie Hudley shared her childhood memories there, too: “I rode bikes there a million times when I was young.” Toby Thompson alerted us to another name for the pedestrian path: “They’re called Talawanda ditches and have been called that since the late ’80s.” Who knew? “Both of my kids tagged it,” said Mike Arvin. “Gab when she was 5, Gib when he was 7.” (Gab and Gib!) Patrick Mason Lachut gave us a heads up to some possible (unconfirmed) risks—health and legal—walking the path: “It’s runoff for industrial waste and that pharmaceutical plant right by the entrance. Cops are watching it real bad right now trying to catch some graffiti writers as well. So no it’s no playground, y’all. Cool spot, though.”

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NATURAL LEADER JEFFREY CORNEY P. 18

M

HINDSIGHT 4:20

The highs and lows of Ohio’s legal cannabis industry so far.

STUART LINDLE

ILLUSTR ATIO N BY M U TI

VIRTUAL MUSEUMS AND ARTS P. 18

FLOWER POWER P. 18

DR. KNOW P. 22

EDICAL MARIJUANA FACED A BUMPY ROLLOUT ACROSS OHIO IN 2019, WITH LEGAL

dispensaries taking their sweet time opening, higher than expected costs, and renewed claims of unfair criminalization of recreational use.

Still, medical patients statewide bought nearly $50 million worth of legal marijuana last year, when official sales finally launched under legislation passed in 2016. Sales are projected to generate $11 million in fees for the state in fiscal 2020.

Despite all the green, Cincinnati Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman believes there’s still important work to be done at the local level to prevent systemic imbalances in the cannabis industry. In June 2019, he cosponsored and passed a piece of legislation with Councilmember Jeff Pastor that, within Cincinnati city limits, decriminalized marijuana possession up to 100 grams.

The goal of this legislation, which went into effect in July, is to decrease the number of Cincinnati citizens prosecuted for possession of small amounts of marijuana—citizens who, according to Smitherman, are predominantly African American males. Smitherman also works as a stockbroker and says he was inspired to work on the legislation based on the growing gap between who profits from the marijuana industry and who is criminalized. “I’m watching billionaires being made while everyday citizens carrying small amounts of marijuana are facing criminal records,” he says.

While there are still federal restrictions on depositing profits from the direct sale of cannabis products in banks, money made from the open trading and selling of cannabis stocks from companies like Cronos Group, Inc., CONTINUED ON P. 18 M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 1 7

EDUCATION

EXPLORING IN PLACE

DISPATCH

Local museums, libraries, and arts groups go virtual. — J O H N F O X

SPEAK EASY

MOTHER NATURE’S SON X Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) has been busy since Jeffrey Corney took the reins in May 2019 and brought a 21st century vision to tackle age-old environmental issues.

We spoke in his cozy, wood-paneled office in Krippendorf Lodge in Milford, where his standing desk looks out into the woods.

CNC was recently part of a successful fight against upstream development along Avey’s Run, the creek that feeds your property. Why defend spaces like this? It’s not just about protecting the environment.

Really, it’s protecting us. Papers are coming out left and right showing that a healthy environment makes for healthy people. Oftentimes in preserving natural areas, it looks as if we’re opposed to agriculture or development, which is not true. The same goes for that false dichotomy of the environment versus CONTINUED ON P. 20

X CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM Take a virtual tour of the 67,000 works in the permanent collection from your couch, and follow daily updates and Q&As with museum staff on Facebook. cincinnati artmuseum.org/art/ explore-the-collection, facebook.com/groups/ CAMConnect X CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER Wonder Zone offers more than a dozen 3- to 10-minute videos to “bring experiments and museum experiences into your home.” Make slime and instant snow or learn the basics of electromagnets and inertia. cincy museum.org/wonder zone X CINCINNATI ZOO Keep tabs on some of your favorite animals on the zoo’s YouTube channel, which is regularly uploading videos of keepers interacting with an ocelot, a porcupine, and (of course) Fiona. youtube.com/ user/CincinnatiZooTube

X PUBLIC LIBRARY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY LIBRARIES Check out e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, and TV series online with your library card, which you can sign up for at the sites. cincinnatilibrary.over drive.com, kyunbound. overdrive.com X MERCANTILE LIBRARY Daily Facebook book chats, poetry readings, and virtual book clubs. facebook.com/The MercantileLibrary X ARTSWAVE Partnering with The Well to stream new playlists of soothing music and recorded poetry readings to help create “mindful moments” during a stressful time. thewell.world X TAFT MUSEUM OF ART Take a virtual tour of highlights from the museum’s permanent collection. taftmuseum.org/art/ permanent-collection

ANTICIPATION METER +5 +4 +3 +2 +1 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5

The Big Shutdown Ohio and Kentucky close nonessential businesses and order us to work from home in response to COVID-19. -10

Get Outdoors As long as you keep your distance, take advantage of the spring weather and walk, run, hike, bike, or canoe. +5 No Caps, Gowns High school and college commencements have been postponed or canceled. -3

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Taste of Summer Normally on Memorial Day weekend, Taste of Cincinnati has moved to the Fourth of July weekend. Will we have reason to celebrate? +1

Dirty Thoughts Get your hands dirty and brighten up your day by planting flowers on your WFH lunch breaks. +2

CURRENT OUTLOOK

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I L LU S T R AT I O N S BY Z AC H A RY G H A D ERI

SLOT H PH OTO G R A PH CO U R T E S Y C IN C IN N ATI ZO O A N D B OTA N I C A L G A R D EN

Aphria, Inc., and Trulieve Cannabis Corp. can be legally deposited and invested. “There are people who have been selling marijuana out of their house for 20, 30 years,” says Smitherman. “Those people are not going to stop selling just because there’s a dispensary somewhere selling at a much higher price than someone can buy on the street.”

By the end of the medical marijuana program’s first year, slightly more than two-thirds of Ohio’s 84,000 registered patients had actually made a purchase from a state dispensary. High costs and the limited number of open dispensaries have been prohibitive factors— 56 were originally granted provisional licenses; only 18 were open by mid-2019, but the number was up to 50 earlier this year. Patients looking for a more costeffective option were left either purchasing from illegal dealers or going to nearby states like Michigan, where the medical marijuana market is more affordable. By the end of 2019, Ohio began to see more realistic prices, with a day’s supply averaging $33 in November, down from $48 in January 2019.

Chaz Mize, general manager of the Verilife dispensary on Ridge Road in Columbia Township, has experienced first-hand the changes in the market as more dispensaries open. “It’s a natural industry progression,” he says. “As we have more supply in the state and there’s more competition Pot Potency over time, pricing will become Under Ohio law, more aggressive, which you’ll see certified physicians reflected in lower prices.” may recommend medical marijuana The state program also has for the treatment of been hindered by a series of grow21 conditions, from ing pains as operators struggled Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s, to keep up with changes in reguand Parkinson’s lations. Verilife was originally diseases to epilepsy, Tourette’s syndrome, scheduled to open in June 2019, and chronic pain. but faced multiple setbacks and delays—including the required installation of multiple safes for the marijuana product, which reduced Verilife’s storage capacity. “The number one struggle, not just for us but for many of the dispensaries trying open at that time, was CONTINUED ON P. 20

LOCAL FLAVOR

just lack of understanding about the program,” he says.

Mize says the company designed the layout of the dispensary to make guests as comfortable as possible. Verilife offers one-on-one consultations for buyers new to the medical marijuana program. “We’ll have a member of management or one of our experienced patient-care representatives come off the floor and spend as much time as need be with our patients in a private setting until they feel comfortable,” he says.

Consultation topics include anything from questions about their specific prescription to calculating when they’ll need to make a return visit. Planning in advance makes it easier for patients who have to travel long distances to be able to time their trips. Offering hospitality in an industry still clouded with misconceptions relieves patients and lets them focus on what’s important: their well-being. “Patients have already had to jump through so many hoops to get to this point,” says Mize.

“When they get to us, it should feel like any other retail experience.”

CORNER SHOT Photographer Ty Lake captures a double exposure on Kodak Portra 400 film, shooting downtown from Bellevue Hill Park during a vintage clothing photoshoot with friend Marcus Foster. Find Lake on Instagram @shots_bylake

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the economy. CNC is an economic force. We provide recreational opportunities. We have somewhere on the order of 230,000 visitors per year.

How do you balance the impact of so many visitors with preserving the natural landscape? Most of the impact is concentrated in the built space close to the center. The PlayScape is a perfect example—two acres’ worth of dedicated space for kids to play in the dirt and move stuff around instead of heading out into the woods, where we prefer people stay on the trails.

CNC has been stepping up invasive species eradication. What do you say to those who love non-natives—the daffodils for example?

We embrace the daffodils because they’re something unique about this place. While we’re very much about land conservation and controlling invasives, daffodils are not an invasive. Not all nonnatives are invasive.

Things like honeysuckle that are doing damage to the ecosystem are one thing. With the daffodils, we’re quietly controlling the edges.

What are people most surprised to learn about CNC? That we have a variety of programs beyond just learning about plants and birds: outdoor yoga, even the Japanese practice of “forest bathing.” Another is that we have a second property over in Goshen, around 800 acres at Long Branch Farm.

It has its own unique beauty. — C E D R I C R O S E READ A LONGER INTERVIEW WITH CORNEY AT CINCINNATI MAGAZINE.COM

WFH BRINGS MAY COLOR

Some suggest a baby boom will result from this period of self-isolation, but a more immediate boom—especially with spring fully in bloom—is renewed interest in gardening. We spoke with Susan Rahn Patten, co-owner of A.J. Rahn Greenhouses, to get suggestions for five easy flowers to grow in this area. — J O H N F O X

ANGELONIA: “Their nickname is Summer Snapdragons, and I just adore them. They bloom their heads off, and tend to grow up and out and get very full. They’re really tolerant of the heat.”

GERANIUM: “They’re kind of old-fashioned, but maybe that suits us here in Cincinnati. I never get tired of them. They have more of a structure and have more presence than a lot of other flowers.”

BEGONIA: “They’ve been sort of unpopular for decades, because I think people got bored with them. But there are new varieties and colors now, and they’re easy to grow and can get very large.”

IMPATIENS: “The New Guinea variety we sell is very reliable, is pretty carefree, and flowers continuously. They work in part-sun areas, part-shade, really everywhere.”

CALADIUM: “This grows for the colorful foliage, not blossoms. They’ll get green, pink, red, and even white leaves, but they need shade to succeed. A nice change of pace in any yard.”

A.J. RAHN GREENHOUSES, 4944 GRAY RD., SPRING GROVE VILLAGE, (513) 541-0672, AJRAHN.COM

PHOTOGRAPH BY TY LAKE

DISPATCH

Enjoy the parks wherever you are with

greatparks.org/parksathome

Dr. Know is Jay Gilbert, weekday afternoon deejay on 92.5 FM The Fox. Submit your questions about the city’s peculiarities at drknow@cincinnati magazine.com

DR. KNOW

hometown pride had not yet been hammered into their tender psyches, Jimmie’s provenance was secondary. Almost no respondents knew that he had composed the eternally annoying M-I-C-K-E-Y song.

Your passion, however, was shared by millions. In fact, back when the Doctor was a child genius, he decided one evening to program a reminder on his bedroom clock radio for each day’s episode.

Setting the alarm for 4:55, he turned the radio volume to maximum, guaranteeing he’d hear it anywhere in the house every day. Sadly, this was the era when clock radios had just 12-hour cycles, meaning that the family (and the neighbors) were made aware of the Doctor’s budding intelligence early the next morning.

Q+ A

After commuting for years along Duck Creek Road in Madisonville, I only recently noticed an unidentified gravel driveway. It led to a large cemetery, and I drove in. The graves are randomly scattered at odd angles—some very old, but others more recent. What is this place?

—GRAVE DISCOVERY DEAR GRAVE:

I’m not a native, so I wonder if local kids in the 1950s knew that Jimmie Dodd, host of the original Mickey Mouse Club, was from Cincinnati. I found this out only recently. I loved that show passionately back then and am curious if Cincinnati kids were aware of Jimmie’s background.

—HERE’S YER EARS DEAR EARS:

Assuming we can allow the complex methodology of scientific polling known as “Asking Around,” the answer to your question is yes. Our tragically small survey of native Baby Boomers suggests only their mild awareness that Jimmie Dodd, the Mickey Mouse Club’s master of overenthusiasm, hailed from Cincinnati. The kids knew, but as

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Please allow the Doctor to assume that you are white. That’s not to say that no white people in Cincinnati are aware of this historic cemetery, but let’s pretend we’re watching a TV show called Whiteish and proceed.…

You drove into the United American Cemetery, formerly the Colored American Cemetery, founded in 1844. A proper burial was far from a sure thing for African Americans in 19th century Cincinnati, so this provided a rare dignified resting place. Originally in Avondale, it was relocated to Duck Creek Road in the 1880s—“relocated” being a perfumed euphemism for “evicted.” Gentrification back then could push you out even after you were dead.

Many notable local African Americans are buried here. It is now owned by the Union Baptist Church, which also ILLUSTR ATIO N S BY L A R S LEE TA RU

Is there any source with reliable information about Ohio’s medical marijuana rules? They keep changing. Even when I’m not (legally) partaking, I can’t follow the byzantine requirements for obtaining a consistent supply.

Worse, the state’s website often doesn’t work. I’m trying to do this right. —IN THE WEEDS

Join us next season for 7 or 8 incredible nights out filled with laughter, breathtaking choreography, and memories that will last a lifetime.

March 2 - 28, 2021

" ąĖĨ - ĤĚ Ä’Ä?V ĂšÄšÄ˜V HÄŚgeV

THE LINCOLN CENTER THEATER PRODUCTION

THE MUSICAL

oversees Cincinnati’s other historic black cemetery on Cleves-Warsaw Pike. Over the decades, both places have faced difficult challenges with upkeep and vandalism, but activities are underway right now for a major cleanup and restoration. Your discovery is perfectly timed. If you’d like to drive by a better place, call (513) 279-2931 and offer your help.

LOOKING AHEAD, MORE OF THE BEST OF BROADWAY IS COMING TO CINCINNATI THIS FALL!

November 10 - 22, 2020

December 1 - 13, 2020

DEAR WEEDS:

The Doctor sympathizes with your frustration and your need for relief.

Ohio’s ever-changing procedures for medical marijuana could certainly cause confusion, and even bewilderment. As we go to press, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy is considering changes to its controversial “90-day supply� restriction that’s left some patients empty-handed, and the Board could be announcing their revisions before this issue lands in your mailbox. Somewhere else in Cincinnati Magazine is some kind of update (see “Hindsight 4:20,� page 17).

The Ohio Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee welcomes public comments, but the official website, we can confirm, can be especially hard to navigate, as is our TV remote. Ohio’s ever-changing procedures for medical marijuana could certainly cause confusion. Bewilderment, even. The original Star Trek episodes look really dated now. Plan ahead! When supplies run low, you can’t snack on all that toilet paper.

January 6 - 24, 2021

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BroadwayInCincinnati.com • 800.294.1816 M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 2 3

HISTORIC NORTH BEND MANSION P. 26

BUSINESS BABE P. 28

CUSTOM KICKS P. 30

ATHENS ATTR ACTIONS P. 3 2

BAG LADY The cat’s out of the bag on this stunning, colorful, fair-trade purse.

Handwoven in Madagascar, it’s sold at The Little Mahatma in OTR. $60, facebook.com/thelittlemahatma P H O T O G R A P H BY A A R O N M . CO N WAY

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 2 5

ON THE MARKET

ADDRESS: 10 MUIRFIELD DR., NORTH BEND LISTING PRICE: $749,000

T

FAMILY TREES

THIS HOME HAS A LOCAL HISTORY PEDIGREE, TO BE SURE: ASTON OAKS

Manor was built back in 1872 by renowned Ohio physician and naturalist John Aston Warder, who would go on to found the American Forestry Association. But the property, sitting on a hill overlooking the Ohio River, has historic roots that go deeper still. It was once owned by John Cleves Symmes—who bought it in 1788 from a little outfit called the Continental Congress. U.S. President William Henry Harrison, then a young soldier, bought the tract of land after eloping with Symmes’s daughter Anna in 1795. The Harrisons later lived on their own farm there in the 1830s, where he grew corn and even distilled his own whiskey before his ill-fated 1841 inauguration (indeed, the William Henry Harrison Tomb State Memorial sits just a couple miles downriver).

Warder bought the property from Anna in 1855, and eventually built the eight-bedroom home that stands today. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 10 Muirfield Drive is three stories of natural stone, trimmed and

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fitted with oak, maple, and cherry hardwood harvested from the surrounding forest. Some original features include crown moldings, chandeliers, pocket doors, Italian mosaic floors, two dining rooms, a master bedroom with views of the river, and a stone carriage house that adds another family room, bedroom, and full bath. A detached four-car garage and an updated chef’s kitchen make modern living comfortable, while quirkier features such as a dumbwaiter and bathroom (non-working, but complete with wooden toilet tank) keep the past top of mind. The home’s sellers would welcome a single-family buyer, but the buildings are also zoned as a bed-and-breakfast, ideal for an enterprising entrepreneur.

Though a handful of newer homes sit nearby, William Henry Harrison’s distant view of Kentucky has remained much the same as it was nearly 200 years ago. Speaking of historic roots: If you’re more interested in living history than in the long-gone kind, you can’t miss Warder’s own spectacular English Oak on the lawn, the largest such tree in the country.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY WOW VIDEO TOURS

LOCAL AND NATIONAL HISTORY MAKE THIS NORTH BEND MANOR DOUBLY SPECIAL. — A M Y B R O W N L E E

GIVING TUESDAY NOW: AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO COVID-19

SUPPORT CINCINNATI Now, more than ever, the Cincinnati area causes you love need your support due to increased demand for their services, and disruptions to their fundraising efforts due to COVID-19. #GivingTuesdayNow is your chance to join a global movement of generosity when it's needed most.

FIND A CAUSE YOU LOVE AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! INSPIRE. SUPPORT. ACT. WI TH SU P P ORT F RO M

DONATE MAY 5 VISIT CINCINNATIGIVES.ORG TO DONATE TO CINCINNATI CHARITIES IN NEED

STYLE COUNSEL

Morgan A. Owens OCCUPATION: Creative entrepreneur, speaker, author STYLE: Affordable #girlboss business wear What inspires your style? I feel as women in business, in corporate, or entrepreneurship, we often find that we have to downplay our look and style in order to be taken seriously, and I wanted to combat that stereotype. We can change our hairstyles, go with a bright pink lip, or wear orange heels and still get the job done. I wore a leopard-print dress to an awards ceremony and everyone loved it because I stayed true to my style. How do you keep your style budget-friendly?

Your biggest friend is going to be seasonal sales. If it’s a timeless staple piece, it’s never out of season. You can always find good discounts, especially over the holidays. Even these big designer stores have outlet stores now. Or look at the thrift store; you have to dedicate time to search, but that would also be an option. What staple pieces should every businesswoman own? Always a power suit. It doesn’t have to be a black suit. I have suits of all colors: pink, blue, purple.

I also have a signature coat, whether it be a trench coat or a good peacoat, and always have a great nude pump and black pump. What advice would you give to other professional women who want to embrace fashion in the corporate world? Be your authentic self. I think so many people want to copy other people’s style, but ultimately you have to do what feels good for you because how you show up and how you look is your personal brand and branding means everything. So whatever your style is, just be confident, don’t worry about what other people have to say about it, and be authentically you. — G R A C E D E A R I N G

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P H O T O G R A P H B Y A A R O N M . CO N WAY

35 Years of sppeciall occassions and evveryday moments

1895 BILTMORE'S STORY BEGINS IN ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

1970s FIRST VINEYARD PLANTED AT BILTMORE

1985 BILTMORE WINERY OPENS

1992 BILTMORE WINES EARNS 1ST DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

BI LT MOR E W I N E S .C OM

TODAY THE STORY CONTINUES #BILTMOREWINES

HOMEGROWN

FOOT WORK

SMOOVE CREATIONS WILL TURN YOUR SNEAKERS INTO TRUE ORIGINALS. — A M Y B R O W N L E E

I

1

ISAIAH KELLY STARTED CUSTOMIZING SHOES

for fun after seeing a YouTube video of a 12-year-old kid making good money on the enterprise. “He was customizing shoes and selling them for $400, $500,” Kelly remembers. “I thought, Man I could do that, easy!” That summer, he saved up some money, bought the supplies, and tried it out for himself. His first project was sketchy, Kelly admits, but he appreciates the journey. “It’s really cool to be able to think how that started,” he says. “I did that work at my kitchen table and in my garage.”

Kelly soon became a walking billboard for his designs, and friends began asking for their own commissions. A reputation was born, and Kelly slowly turned his side hustle into a career. “When I first started, I did it as a hobby,” he says. “I didn’t think about it as a business. I just don’t like wearing shoes that everybody else has; it was a way for me to stand out. I loved that 3 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

2

3

concept. And then other people started noticing and asking me to do their shoes.

And then I had customers.”

He’s now the founder and CEO of Smoove Creations, an eight-staffer design house and production shop in Newport that has turned out custom sneakers since May 2019. He even created one-ofa-kind cleats for Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Preston Brown, and last Christmas, he donated 10 custom pairs of Nike Air Force Ones to kids at The Children’s Home of Cincinnati.

For Kelly, custom sneakers are a distinct subset of established sneaker culture, which is all about big brands, limited releases, and early morning lineups outside of shops like d o w n t o w n ’s U N CUSTOM KICKS heardof. “The thing 1: BAPE Vans. about sneaker culture 2: Gold glitter Nike Air Force Ones. is that people love 3: Custom cleats for Oakland Raiders linebacker having shoes that are Preston Brown. rare and expensive,” he explains. “It makes you feel like you have this status. But custom is typically one-on-one. So if I put your grandma on a shoe, or I put your sorority or your favorite sports team on a shoe, that’s a little bit different. It’s uniquely tailored to you, and it’s a way for you to represent yourself. It allows you to stand out.”

Kelly’s designs range from an ornate rose patch to a Pop Art-style cartoon outline, most often on Nike Air Force Ones or Vans. And of course he’ll make it yours with a picture of your mom, your kid, your dog, or your favorite anything.

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HOURS: Mon-Fri: 10a-7p Saturday: 10a- 5p Sunday: Closed Take a virtual tour of the store.

WHERE TO EAT

1

ADVENTURE INTO APPALACHIA ATHENS IS MORE THAN OHIO UNIVERSITY’S STOMPING GROUNDS. ITS RESIDENTS TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR SMALL TOWN. — G R A C E D E A R I N G Known for its iconic red brick roads and matching buildings, Athens, Ohio, could have been pulled straight out of a Hallmark film. While the area typically buzzes with Ohio University students from August to May, plus booze enthusiasts in July for the town’s annual Brew Week, there’s a short period of time in between where everything slows down—the perfect opportunity for a weekend trip to the Appalachian town, located less than a three-hour drive from Cincinnati.

WHERE TO STAY

Russell and Liz Chamberlain began incorporating yoga and meditation into their daily routines years ago.

In 2014, the couple opened Bodhi Tree Guesthouse and Studio, a Buddhist-inspired retreat. Sitting atop a 4-acre hillside adjacent to a tranquil reflection pond, the guest house blends traditional homey architecture with contemporary decor to provide guests with a serene escape.

With beds ranging from twin- to king-sized, choose

Enjoy locally grown produce for breakfast at Village Bakery & Café. With a menu centered around seasonal food grown in Southeast Ohio, this solar-, wind-, and geothermal-powered café is dedicated to using only fresh, sustainably grown ingredients for its classic dishes like breakfast tacos and breakfast pizza. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with one of the freshly baked pastries; we recommend the crumb bun, a vanilla almond coffee cake topped with oats.

After a long day of exploring Athens, make your way to Casa Nueva for a hearty serving of Mexican-inspired food. Like Village Bakery & Café, this 35-year-old restaurant serves burritos and enchiladas made from locally and sustainably grown ingredients. It’s also dedicated to providing ownership opportunities to all: Every employee at Casa Nueva has a chance to apply for part-ownership of the business. This Athens institution, which serves cuisine with a conscience, is a must-try.

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WHAT TO DO

Despite Athens’s small-town characteristics, it boasts a variety of attractions. Our favorite is Strouds Run State Park, just a 10-minute drive from Uptown Athens. This family friendly park is the perfect daylong outing that even your little ones will enjoy. Set up camp along the shore of Dow Lake (swimming encouraged) with a picnic blanket and beach umbrella, or rent a paddleboard and kayak to get on the water without getting in it. If water sports aren’t your thing, explore the beauty of southeast Ohio’s hills on one of the 30plus hiking and biking trails.

Before heading out of town, make a pit stop at Beads & Things, one of Athens’s iconic businesses.

Owners Jo Merkle and Phil Berry have traveled the

world, bringing international culture back to Athens in the form of beads, pendants, prayer flags, incense, figurines, gemstones, and more from countries like Peru, Morocco, and Thailand. Leave with a handmade piece of jewelry—a personal twist on a vacation keepsake.

Bodhi Tree Guesthouse and Studio bodhitreeguesthouse.com Village Bakery & Café dellazona.com Casa Nueva casanueva.com Beads & Things athensbeadsandthings.com

3

SIDE TRIP

OF COURSE, A VISIT TO ATHENS ISN’T COMPLETE WITHOUT TAKING ADVAN-

TAKE A HIKE

HOCKING HILLS AWAITS. —G.D.

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ATHENS ATTRACTIONS 1: The view from Bodhi Tree Guesthouse.

2: Kidwell Covered Bridge, over Sunday Creek.

3: Beads & Things.

tage of the hiking opportunities Hocking Hills has to offer. Add a day or two to your trip and stay at one of the park’s cabins, located just a 45-minute drive from Athens. From romantic log cabins to secluded treehouses, Hocking Hills is perfect for any type of getaway. Plus, with all the caves and trails, you’ll never be far from adventure and sightseeing. Pro tip: The rushing waterfalls at Old Man’s Cave and looming cliff faces along Cantwell Cliffs’ trails make for the perfect Instagram post. hockinghills.com

PH OTO G R A PHS CO UR T E S Y ( TO P LEF T ) B O D HI T REE GUE S T H O USE A ND S T UD I O / ( TO P RI G H T ) C HU C K H A NE Y & DA NITA D ELIM O N T / S TO C K . A D O B E .CO M / (B OT TO M RI G H T ) B E A D S A ND T HIN G S / (B OT TO M LEF T ) WA RREN / S TO C K . A D O B E .CO M

from one of four bedrooms, all of which are void of televisions to encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in the idea of living in the moment (don’t worry, free WiFi is available). The best part? The guest house is only a short walk from the studio (which opened in 2016), where you can indulge in a variety of luxurious amenities like yoga, massage therapy, and a light- and sound-proof flotation tank.

ESCAPE

WE LCO ME TO MIDDLEHOOD

BY JUDI KETTELER

Becoming Selfie Aware MAKING MEANING OUT OF EVERYDAY LIFE, OR AN UNHEALTHY OBSESSION WITH SOCIAL STATUS? LET’S DISCUSS. I REMEMBER THE FIRST SELFIE I TOOK. IT WAS IN 2011, WHILE I WAS VISITING MY FRIEND Jill in Indianapolis. I wanted someone to take a picture of us, and she grabbed my phone and said, “Actually, I think we can just turn the camera to face us.” I had just gotten an iPhone a few months before and didn’t even know that was a thing. But our faces suddenly appeared before me. It was jarring. I smiled and clicked.

According to my iCloud account, I now have 773 selfies. While many of them belong to my daughter, who uses my account on the iPad, it’s safe to say I now know my way around a selfie. I have often pretended to hate selfies, because I fear turning the camera to face me 3 4 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

smacks of narcissism. The truth is I kind of love them.

I suspect my dad loved them, too, because of what we found in the file cabinet in the garage.

LAST YEAR, MY MOM DECIDED IT WAS TIME to fix a longtime leak in the foundation of her house. The crew doing the work needed to access the garage, which meant we needed to help her clean out said garage, including the unwieldy old metal file cabinet that had belonged to my dad. He died in 2013, and we had sorted through much of his stuff already.

But we’d stalled out when we got to the file cabinet, because it had a trick drawer that got easily stuck and because the man saved everything. I’m talking pay stubs dating back to his first job in the 1940s. With workers scheduled to start jackhammering any day, though, we knew it was time to dig in.

My dad was a wonderful amateur photographer, and growing up I recall him always having a camera around his neck.

I knew his interest in photography blossomed when he was stationed in Germany in the early 1950s, and I remember several of the pictures he took from that time.

But in that cumbersome file cabinet, my sisters and I found stashes of photos we had never seen. With delight and awe, we opened cigar boxes impossibly stuffed with tattered yellow Kodak envelopes, each bearing the smudgy blue ink of my dad’s unmistakable handwriting: “CPL HJ KETTELER, 4th Signal Co. APO 39.” He had scribbled details (like “Wildflecken, May 1954”) on some envelopes and penciled in captions on the backs of many of the blackand-white prints.

In addition to documenting post-World War II Germany—the rubble and the rebuilt spires, the hillsides and the people—these photographs also document him. Among the few hundred images were dozens of selfportraits. No two were the same. Sometimes he was looking off center, posed with intent.

Other times, his eyes quietly challenged the camera. The shots captured a mix of moods: lightness as he posed with his coffee inside the truck he drove, a slight smile on his face, and intensity when he stared down the camera with a cigarette in his mouth. It was always apparent that he was a solider.

Something else was apparent, too: These were basically selfies. True, there was no soILLUSTR ATIO N BY J U LI A Y E LLOW

cial media back then—but something about his self-portraits feels anachronistically “social.” I imagine him developing the shots and sharing them with his fellow GIs, who were also frequent photographic subjects, or shuffling through the prints and sending his favorite selfportrait home to his mother and sisters. What I’m saying is that his selfies don’t strike me as private. They feel as if they’re serving some purpose beyond being an artistic exercise about light and contrast.

WE DON’T REALLY KNOW what to think about selfies.

A recent study tried to figure out if “selfitis”—an unhealthy obsession with taking selfies—might be an actual condition, after there was a hoax article about it. It’s kind of funny. And not. The study mapped the

selfie habits of about 400 university students in India, and from those habits the authors created a behavior scale—ranging

from borderline to chronic—to describe the levels of selfitis.

The study authors don’t have a con-

clusive takeaway, other than to say this might be a thing we need to look at further because some people in the world may or may not have semi-serious problems with taking and posting selfies. When I hear stories about people spending their entire vacation trying to get the perfect selfie, I agree there is something unhealthy going on. In fact, the researchers found that people take selfies for a variety of reasons, many of which have to do with conformity and boosting social status.

But they also identified a category of motivations related to making meaning.

So often, when I turn the camera to face me, that’s what I’m aiming to do. For example, last July I was in Savannah, Georgia, for business, which meant long days spent with

2020 FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGERS Who will be named?

Find out in a special section inside the October issue of Cincinnati magazine Go to fivestarprofessional.com/wmconsumerfeedback to share your opinion

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PH OTO G R A PH BY J O N ATH A N W I LLI S

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY JUDI KETTELER

WELCOME TO MIDDLEHOOD

a client. Several days, I got up at 6 a.m. to run, just to have some time to myself. One morning, I ran halfway across the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, a sketchy thing to do because it’s frighteningly high—engineered to accommodate supersize barges moving up and down the river. Also, traffic moves fast. But its striking architecture beckoned me, and I knew it would be the perfect vantage point to see the sun rise over the river.

Standing in the middle of that bridge, seeing that pink cottony sky and the way the light cast itself over the sleepy city, was a transcendent moment for me. I lifted my phone, took a selfie, and posted it to Instagram later that day. I didn’t post it because I was self-absorbed. I definitely didn’t post it because I thought I looked pretty. (I looked pretty terrible, to be honest.) I posted it because the experience was so meaningful to me, and I wanted to claim the moment for myself and share it. To say, Sometimes you catch the sunrise from a freaky high bridge and it changes how the day feels. Here is a slice of

me doing that, and maybe you will find a slice of something meaningful today too.

After spending many an afternoon staring at the pictures my dad took, I’ve come to the conclusion that he was also attempting to make meaning with his version of the selfie. After all, he always said that when he got drafted in 1952 he assumed he was going to die in Korea. Instead, he was sent to Europe to join NATO forces. He realized his good fortune, even as he had to dig ditches and follow orders without question. To me, his self-portraits say, It is neither all good nor all bad, but I am lucky as hell. Here are some moments, and here I am living them as best I can, because that’s what we do.

Maybe he took these self-portraits because he wanted his widowed mother to see that he was OK. Maybe he wanted to show himself that he was OK. Maybe he wanted to celebrate that he made it through another boring field maneuver.

Maybe all of it. Maybe none of it. But I’m his daughter, and we’re wired similarly

enough that I feel like my instinct to turn the camera on myself on the Talmadge Bridge is not so different than his instinct to take a picture of himself sitting inside his Army truck or drinking beer with his buddies.

We associate selfies with fakeness, but when I look at my dad’s selfies and my own, I believe that these quick self-portraits designed to be shared can also originate from a more honest intention. Maybe we’re obsessed with ourselves. So what? We’re the ones walking our bodies through life—on trails and bridges, at monuments and under sunsets, with friends and alone—and showing how we see ourselves in those moments needn’t be a disorder.

My dad never owned a smart phone and had no concept of social media, but I think he would have loved Instagram when he was a solider. He would have felt joy and meaning in sharing these little moments with the world. And I would have hearted them all.

WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL DENTAL IMPLANT THERAPY ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY

A WOODFORD COUNTY TRIFECTA:

Horses, Bourbon, Southern Cuisine DR. KHURRAM A. KHAN, BDS, DMD Dr. Khan is a Board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Fellowship trained in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial surgery.

He brings with him a wealth of expertise in wisdom teeth removal, in-office anesthesia, complex dental implant reconstruction and various other maxillofacial and cosmetic surgery procedures.

Cincinnati Center for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Woodford County invites you to visit the world's best bourbon, horses and southern cuisine!

151 South Main Street, Versailles, Kentucky #ReserveWoodford ReserveWoodford.com

7523 State Road / Cincinnati, OH 45255 513-232-8989 cincinnatijawsurgery.com

PH OTO G R A PH BY J O N ATH A N W I LLI S

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 3 7

CITY WISE

BY JIM DeBROSSE

Trash Talk the UFOs HERE’S THE TRUTH ABOUT THOSE JANUARY FLASHES IN THE SKY NEAR BETHEL.

T

THE LAST THING TIM WALKER AND HIS THEN–12-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER CAROLYN EXPECTED that evening when they began rolling their trash bins into the driveway of their Bethel home was to become overnight internet sensations. But it all happened in a flash—more precisely, a series of 13 bright red-and-orange flashes filling a broad swath of the southwest sky on Sunday, January 12.

The event was captured on less than 20 seconds of video by the family’s garage door security cam and promptly posted by Walker to Facebook. Within a few weeks, his post of the still-unexplained light show had been viewed nearly 70,000 times by users as far away as China and garnered 139 comments and 256 shares. It also drew an offer from licensing company Viral Hog to represent Walker in sharing the video with other media outlets.

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“It’s kind of crazy how big it’s gotten,” says the 45-year-old Bethel native, who’s an IT consultant and teacher. In addition to local TV coverage, the story was picked up by the Drudge Report and newspapers in Lexington, Kentucky; Charlotte, North Carolina; the United Kingdom; and Germany—not to mention dozens of websites devoted to UFOs and other mysterious sightings. And it all happened to someone who says he normally “just posts funny dog and funny cat pictures because my daughter loves them” and gets about one or two Facebook notifications a day.

For several days after posting the video, Walker says,“Every five minutes somebody shared it or commented on it.” Carolyn, of course, became an instant mini-celebrity at Bethel-Tate Middle School for her local TV interviews. Her seventh-grade STEM teacher showed the video for class discussion. Their conclusion? “They just say it’s aliens now,” Carolyn says.

ACCOMPANYING HER FATHER AS SHE OFten does on “garbage night,” Carolyn was the first to notice the low-hanging red-orangepink flashes of light through the wooded lot southwest of their two-story brick home in Bridle Path Estates. In the video, she calls to her father, who looks up and is stunned by what he sees, losing his grip on the rolling trash bin. Meanwhile, the family’s two rescue dogs—Leo, a 2-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd, and Virgil, an 8-yearold Labrador mix—race in circles and tussle with each other in front of the garage. A number of Facebook users commented on how the strange flashes must have affected the dogs, but Walker pooh-poohs the idea.

“That’s how they act all the time,” he says, especially since the family had just come home that evening from visiting Walker’s in-laws in Mt. Orab.

“If you watch the video, you hear my daughter and me talking and you hear the dogs fighting,” he says. “But that’s the only sound on the video. It’s dead silent, which is weird, because when you see something like that you expect sound.”

Whatever they were, the flashes caused a two-minute power outage in hundreds of homes in the area around the same time.

Kat Carmosino, an Amelia resident, commented on Facebook that “when the power went out, there was the light show, the floor P HI LOLTUOSGTRRAAPTHI OBNY BJYO N D AÁ TN HI EALN TWA YI LLLOI RS

was vibrating, and there was a humming noise. It was really odd.” By slowing down the video, viewers can see a series of 12 quick pulses, each one brighter than before, followed by a long pause and then the brightest flash on the 13th and final pulse. Cue the Twilight Zone intro.

Online speculation on the cause of the mystery flashes has ranged from the mundane to the extraterrestrial. A transformer blowout. Heat lightning.

A meteor. Testing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, which, after all, was headquarters for Project Bluebook, the Air Force investigation into UFOs during the 1960s. And, perhaps only half-jokingly, an alien visitation.

All but the last explanation appear to have been ruled out by local first responders, energy suppliers, and meteorologists. FOX19 reported that Clermont County Emergency Management had no explanation but did hear from lots of people reporting the flashes. Ditto Bethel Police. Duke Energy told reporters that 584 customers in the area lost power for two minutes just before 7 p.m. that night, but their crews found no blown transformers or line issues in the area.

An astronomer told FOX19 a meteor would have flashed above the clouds, not below them. As for lightning, the station reported the nearest strike at the time was hundreds of miles away.

Walker, a former Army medic with a master’s degree in information technology, says he’s “too logical” to suspect an interplanetary flyby caused the puzzling flashes. But, he says, “I never saw anything like it before,” including flare explosions while he was in the Army.

“My first thought in my head, and this was around the time of the Iran [firing missiles into Iraq] scare, was, Oh my God, we’re getting invaded.”

ON THAT SUNDAY EVENING, WALKER estimated that the flashes were about 6 to 8 miles away in the direction of New Richmond and the Ohio River. Using the compass on his iPhone, he spotted the center of the flashes at 236 degrees southwest of his home. He suspected the old Beckjord Power Station in New Richmond, which was closed in 2014 and now has 10 billion pounds of coal PH OTO G R A PH BY J O N ATH A N W I LLI S

ash stored in four ponds along a bank of the Ohio River. Coal ash is produced mainly from burning coal in power plants and can cause cancer after continued long-term ingestion and inhalation. Fly ash, a powdery byproduct of the coal-burning process, can be highly combustible.

Viewed on a map, however, Walker’s compass direction more clearly points to the Zimmer Power Station near Moscow, where Charah Solutions of Louisville has a contract to remove coal ash. A phone call to the office of Scott Sewell, chief executive of Charah Solutions, wasn’t returned.

Ohio EPA officials responded in an e-mail that “fly ash is not being removed from the Zimmer Power Station.

Gypsum that has been stockpiled at the facility is being hauled out for land application on farms or manufacturing wallboard.” Gypsum is not combustible in any form. The e-mail continued, “Also, regarding reports of flashes on Jan. 12, Ohio EPA’s emergency response unit had no emergency calls that evening from Clermont County.” Likewise, Chief Kevin Riley of the Central Joint EMSFire District said his EMS squads had not responded to any calls at the Zimmer plant for the whole of January.

So the flashes remain a mystery. But it’s not the first time strange lights have been reported from Bethel. The National UFO Reporting Center, an internet wiki where people can post descriptions of their sightings anonymously, lists 11 unexplained events in the Bethel area since 2004. Almost a year prior to what was recorded on Walker’s video, a motorist on the way to a school event around 6 p.m. on January 25, 2018, reported “three orange lights in the sky” that lasted about a minute. “They would move along, and then stop. . . . Then a fourth light appeared, as if coming out of one of the other lights. They moved up and back in the sky, then just disappeared. These lights were orange in color and sphereshaped. I sat there in the parking lot I had pulled into, waiting to see if they would reappear, and they did not.”

The truth is out there. Somewhere.

Perhaps waiting for all of us to take out the trash.

ONE FAMILY. CONNECTED BY BLOOD. DRIVEN TO FIND CURES.

Man & Woman of the Year is philanthropic competition to support blood cancer research among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States.

Candidates form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local children who are blood cancer survivors.

There is never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer, but it is always a good time to fight it. We are committed to doing everything we can to fund research and provide support for cancer patients, now and always.

INTRODUCING OUR CLASS OF 2020 MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES! Jennifer “Jenna” DeFrancesco System Director of Clinical Engineering, Compass One at UC Health. Kristen Bailey Co-Founder/ CEO, Sweets & Meats BBQ. Aaron Sharpe Restaurateur, Lucius Q. Drew Homan Realtor, Coldwell Banker West Shell. Tamara Scull Attorney, KY Department of Public Advocacy. Garrett Pringle Private Client Advisor, First Financial Bank. Bre Sambuchino Teaching Professions Academy Teacher, Loveland High School. Kim Beach Owner/Agent, Village Insurance.

Visit mwoy.org/cincy to learn more

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 3 9

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Pets have always been faithful companions, nurturing friends, and even daily helpers. But in these uncertain times, our pets provide needed distraction and unquestioning loyalty. Learn how to ďŹ nd them, take care of them, have fun with them, and let them go at the end.

guide

P H O TO G R A P H S B Y A A R O N M . C O N WAY

Adoption and foster services abound across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, no matter your interests or budget. — S T U A R T L I N D L E

The Scratching Post

Animal House This friendly neighborhood spot has adoptable pets ranging from guinea pigs, reptiles, and fish to kittens, puppies, and rabbits.

For more than 20 years they’ve matched abandoned animals with safe and loving homes, while also connecting interested parties with local families who raise and sell specialty breeds.

7869 HAMILTON AVE., MT. HEALTHY, (513) 931-6139, ANIMALHOUSECINCIN NATI.COM

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HEARTT Animal Refuge Abandoned or abused cats and dogs get a second chance with the help of this no-kill animal refuge and adoption center. Volunteers provide pets a safe, home-like environment with multiple rooms and areas for dogs to run. Sponsor a cat or dog for just $10 a month, or ask HEARTT about sponsoring its rooms and runs. 11354 READING RD., SHARONVILLE, HEARTT ANIMALREFUGE.ORG

Louie’s Legacy This nonprofit, no-kill rescue places pets in temporary homes until they find their perfect match, so you have a better idea of how the dog or cat you’re interested in adopting behaves in a home environment. Are they active, crate-trained, do they get along with other animals? APPLY TO FOSTER OR ADOPT AT LOUIESLEGACY.ORG.

Northern Kentucky Parrot Rescue The region’s only rescue organization devoted to tropical and exotic birds offers services such as beak, wing, and nail trims. For feathered friends that need behavioral help, the nonprofit also provides parrot counseling. 5255 COURTNEY CT., INDEPENDENCE, (859) 640-9083, FACEBOOK. COM/KENTUCKYPARROT

Since opening its brick-andmortar facility in 2016, this volunteer-run organization has worked to connect a variety of animals with their forever homes; they’re already searching for a bigger space. Look here for rescue cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, other small rodents, reptiles, birds, and more—but not man’s best friend. The Ohio Pet Sanctuary currently does not have the space or financial means to take in dogs.

where the public can meet and greet adoptable cats and dogs. APPLY TO FOSTER OR ADOPT AT PAWPRINTSNKY.COM.

Recycled Doggies Founded by former volunteers of a Kentucky shelter, this organization focuses on giving shelter dogs a second chance by socializing them with the help of foster pet parents. Meet their graduates during local adoption events at pet stores across the Cincinnati area. (513)

8018 BEECHMONT AVE., ANDERSON TWP., (513) 388-9998, OHIOPET SANC TUARY.COM

275-5842, RECYCLEDDOG GIES.COM

PawPrints Animal Rescue

This all-volunteer nonprofit wouldn’t exist without the help of community donations, such as a 2017 grant from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation that allowed them to spay and neuter approximately 375 at-risk animals. The organization’s goal is to remove the financial barrier to adoption by

PawPrints partners with foster volunteers who open their homes to animals that would otherwise be euthanized in area shelters. This rescue organization holds regular adoption events at Northern Kentucky pet stores,

The Ohio Pet Sanctuary

SAAP

P H OTO G R A P H S C O U R T E SY T H E S C R ATC H I N G P O S T / T H E O H I O P E T S A N C T U A R Y

FIND YOUR NEW FRIEND

The Ohio Pet Sanctuary

pick-a-Pet

The Ohio Pet Sanctuary

ALWAYS ON THE GO

YOU ARE...

A HOMEBODY

BECAUSE YOU LIKE TO...

BIG HOUSE

LIVING IN A...

LITTLE HOUSE

LOOKING FOR MORE THAN ONE PET?

WORK OUT

TRAVEL Y

keeping fees as low as possible. 58 MARTHA LAYNE COLLINS BLVD., COLD SPRING, (859) 391-1234, ADOPTASTRAY. COM

SPCA Cincinnati The Hamilton County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been serving this region since 1873. In addition to adoption services and humane education programs, staff and volunteers help introduce the healing power of pets to hospitals, nursing homes, children’s homes, and schools.

3949 COLERAIN AVE., NORTHSIDE, (513) 541-6100; 11900 CONREY RD., SHARONVILLE, (513) 489-7387, SPCACINCIN NATI.ORG

Save the Animals Foundation For more than three decades, this no-kill shelter has

worked to re-home cats and dogs. Their facility is open by appointment for dog adoption; cat lovers can adopt two days a week. You can help raise funds for the organization during local events at community partners like Streetside Brewery. 4011 RED BANK RD., MADISONVILLE, (513) 561-7823, STAF.ORG

ARE YOU OK WITH LIVE FOOD?

DO YOU RUN?

The Ohio Pet Sanctuary

Y

N

PLAINFIELD RD., SILVERTON, (513) 984-6369, THESCRATCH INGPOST.ORG

READY FOR A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT?

HOW ABOUT SOMETHING NON-TRADITIONAL?

Y

N

N Y

DO YOU HAVE ALLERGIES?

N

Y

DOG

POTBELLIED PIG

SNAKE Though it’s controversial, you can (with proper precautions) feed live prey to snakes. And most snakes need to feed just once every week or two.

The Scratching Post Prospective pet parents can browse a variety of dens housing six to 10 cats in large, open rooms with trees and shelves to climb and lots of toys to play with. Adoption counselors are on site for any questions or to match you with the right furry companion. 6948

Y

N

Intelligent and affectionate, pigs can make excellent pets. And since they have hair rather than fur, it’s rare to be allergic to them.

N

RABBIT

GERBIL

These social animals need interaction, and while introductions must be handled carefully, having two rabbits keeps them from being lonely.

Rodents aren’t for everyone, but these active, social creatures are easy to care for and, unlike hamsters, stay active during the day. Their average lifespan is 3–5 years.

CAT

FISH

GECKO

BIRD

Your cat probably doesn’t care what kind of exercise you do, unless it wants attention, in which case your downward dog might lead to climbing cat.

Normally, fish eat every day or two, but healthy adults can go without food over a long weekend.

Allergies to reptiles are rare, and geckos tend to have shorter lifespans than other species. The gold dust day gecko can live for 5–8 years in captivity, while the leopard gecko might live 6–10 years.

Some species, like lovebirds, can live up to 20 years. And they call them lovebirds for a reason—they need the companionship of a partner.

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RELEASE THE HOUNDS These worth-the-drive dog parks give pups room to roam and owners a few outside distractions. — K A I L E I G H P E Y T O N

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Otto Armleder Dog Park Pooches can run free on 10 acres, with a pup shower, doggie drinking fountains, a dog beach(!), and plenty of shade and benches for two-legged companions.

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Schappacher Park

Bring the kiddos and the doggos to play on the park’s multiple children’s jungle gyms and in 38,000 square feet of fenced, off-leash pup space. Bonus: The site offers multiple picnic shelters.

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Boone County Dog Park

This county-run four-acre park has a mission to curb animal displacement due to behavioral problems by providing a space for pups to run off-leash.

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Simmonds Family Dog Park

At an enormous 11 acres, this free-to-visit park is the region’s largest, with four separate fields, agility equipment, play zones, and Fido-friendly water fountains.

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Doris Day Dog Park

Hit the trails at scenic Mt. Airy Forest, then unwind at the colocated dog park, featuring picnic tables, splash pools, and an agility course for a Sunday Funday.

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David J. Stricker Dog Park

This one-acre fenced dog area sits next to baseball, soccer, and pickleball fields, plus a walking trail, playgrounds, and sand volleyball and basketball courts.

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Fido Field

This 28,000-square-foot, partially Astroturf-covered urban dog park near the downtown–Mt. Adams pedestrian bridge is surrounded by a tall fence to protect pooches from surrounding traffic.

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Summit Park

Between restaurants, a seasonal farmer’s market, an observation tower, an elaborate playground area, and a fenced area for dogs, there’s so much to do here to fill your family’s days this summer.

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Pet Events Get your tail outside and enjoy some bonding time.

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—CHRIS PASION

10 NOTE: Event schedules are subject to change.

PugFair Meetups On the first Saturday of each month, Otto Armleder Dog Park is swarmed with smoosh-snouted pugs. Pugaritaville in September is not to be missed! 5057 WOOSTER PK., LINWOOD, (513) 351-2550, PUGFAIR.ORG

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Cin City Reptile Show Reptile and amphibian fans congregate 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. one Sunday a month at the West Chester Holiday Inn. No venomous or endangered species allowed. 5800 MUHLHAUSER RD., WEST CHESTER, (513) 910-0900, CINCITYREPTILESHOW.COM

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Kellogg Park Dog Field

Four acres of fenced-in offleash space for pups are joined by ample shade, a doggoinspired ArtWorks mural, and a nearby playground. A permit is required for each pet.

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WagsPark

Get out all that canine energy with a swimming lake and playground with multiple levels, ramps, decks, and bridges. This members-only park screens each pooch for current vaccines.

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Furry Friends Festival Washington Park Need a way to get Fido moving on Memorial Day Weekend? Meet in Washington Park for live Bluegrass music, food trucks, and fun games with your canine and human companions. WASHINGTON PARK, OVER-THE-RHINE, WASHINGTON PARK.ORG

Red Dog Park

This members-only, threeacre fenced park goes to extra lengths to ensure pet safety, with vetting of vaccination records and temperament and cleanup enforcement for a friendly environment.

12 Washington Park This modest-sized fenced area within OTR’s community hub is a popular socializing spot for neighborhood residents and their doggies.

It’s especially hoppin’ for weekenders.

IPLHLOUTSOT GR RA AT IPOHNSS BBYY J (OPNEAT TEHVAENN TWSI)L ZL AI SC H G H A D E R I / ( M A P ) G O O D S T U D I O / S T O C K . A D O B E . C O M

Bark in the Park Why bring a glove to a Reds game when you can bring your dog? During these special home games, put their fetching skills to the test! GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK, DOWNTOWN, MLB.COM/REDS

Mt. Adams Reindog Parade Ever want to dress your dog in reindeer garb and parade through the streets on a December Saturday?

Join the Reindog Parade holiday spectacle and win a prize for best costume. 1055 ST. PAUL PL., MT. ADAMS, MTADAMSCINCY. ORG/CALENDAR-OF-EVENTS

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TIME FOR A CHECKUP These top-notch animal care clinics will help keep your pets healthy through good times and bad. — S T U A R T L I N D L E

Grady Veterinary Hospital

provides compassionate care for animals in every stage of their lives, from puppyhood to preventative and geriatric care. In addition to his practice, owner Peter Hill provides veterinary care to exotic animals at the Newport Aquarium.

Open 24/7, Grady offers support and medical services when your pets need it most, from emergency services and surgery to wellness checkups and boarding. The practice began more than 60 years ago, when Karl S. Grady opened the clinic across the street from its current location. 9255 WINTON

8610 BLUE ASH RD., BLUE ASH, (513) 793-3032; 10555 LOVELAND MADEIRA RD., LOVELAND, (513) 677-2930, PET CARECINCINNATI.COM

Plum Street Clinic

RD., FINNEYTOWN, (513) 931-8675, GRADYVET.COM

Howell Avenue Pet Hospital This familyowned facility offers the ultimate in full-service veterinary care Monday through Friday and on select Saturdays. Vets Terri McCarty and Betsy Klerk and the staff specialize in offering routine preventative care to keep pets safe, healthy, and happy, including diagnostic, surgical, and dental care. They also offer home delivery for 46

MAY 2020

your pet’s food and medications. 317 HOWELL AVE., CLIFTON, (513) 221-3404, HOWELLAVENUEPETHOSPITAL. COM

Mike’s Mobile Veterinary Service This by-appointment, full-service animal hospital comes to you,

allowing you to skip the stress of having to transport pets. In your home, expert veterinarian Mike Cohen can offer a variety of services including spay and neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and more, in addition to general wellness checkups. Home visits

are available across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. (513) 5054043, MIKESMOBILEVET.COM

PetCare Animal Hospital PetCare’s two locations offer expert veterinary care for cats, dogs, birds, and other exotic pets.

The full-service clinic

Downtown’s go-to fullservice small animal clinic for more than 30 years is run by Robert Biederman (a.k.a. Dr. Bob), who’s experienced in all aspects of veterinary surgery, dental care, and endocrinology. Listen for yourself during his weekly local radio show on WMKV 89.3FM, when he offers friendly advice to pet owners, including tips for behavioral problems and how to identify warning signs when it comes to your pet’s health. 427 PLUM ST., DOWNTOWN, (513) 961-1110, PLUMSTREETPET.COM I L LU S T R AT I O N BY B E N K I R C H N E R

WHILE YOU’RE AWAY Options for dropping off your pet or having someone come to you. — T O R I W E R N S M A N

Puppy Camp The Puppy Camp facility is cagefree and has a large indoor playroom, along with a fenced-in backyard.

In addition to daycare and overnight services, it also offers grooming. Prices start at $23/day for daycare and $30/ day for boarding. 3300 READING RD., AVONDALE, (513) 221-7877, PUPPYCAMP.COM

Dogs N Style

Stay at Home Pet Services

Both daycare and overnight services are available here, as well as grooming services. You can board multiple pets (with a per-animal price break) and Dogs N Style will provide treats and administer medication if desired. Prices start at $15/ hour for daycare and $45/day for boarding.

If you’re not comfortable leaving your pet somewhere else, Stay at Home offers house-sitting and vacation care for dogs and cats, as well as dog-walking. All staff are bonded, insured, and trained in pet first aid and CPR. Prices start at $23 for day visits and $72/day for overnight care.

808 MADISON AVE., COVINGTON, (859) 360-5699, DOGSNSTYLEGROOMING.COM

(513) 706-7702, STAYATHOMEPETSERVICES.COM

Don’t Train in Vain In-home, boarding, and virtual help is available for coaching dogs and owners alike. — J O H N F O X Bullet Proof Dog Training Offers a variety of training options to “turn good dogs into great ones,” with beginner lessons for owner and pet held one hour a week for four weeks, and advanced lessons held over seven weeks. A popular option is the 15-day board-and-train package with a professional dog trainer focusing on manners and socialization skills ($2,500). In-home and therapy dog training are also available.

4526 WEINER LANE, MT. CARMEL, (513) 506-2843, BULLETPROOFDOGTRAINING.COM

Harper

Who’s Pretty?

From DIY to clipping feathers, these pet groomers cover it all.

—T O R I W E R N S M A N

Beauty Bark Grooming If traveling with your dog is a hassle, then these groomers will come to you for a shampoo, nail trim, and even natural skin treatments.

Prices are based on the breed type, weight, temperament, health issues, and coat condition. (859) 780-2275, BEAUTYBARKGROOMING. COM

The Bird Shoppe With more than 20 years of experience grooming wings, beaks, and nails, The Bird Shoppe can keep your feathered friend looking fly. It also offers a wide selection of bedding, cleaning supplies, vitamins, and carriers.

6160 DIXIE HWY., FAIRFIELD, (513) 874-4405, THEBIRDSHOPPE.COM

Fuzzy Butts Westwood If you’re the “do it yourself” type, drop by here (no appointment necessary!) and groom your dog your way. All you have to do is supply the dirty dog.

Full-service grooming is also available. 3022 HARRISON AVE., WESTWOOD, (513) 906-7115, FUZZYBUTTSWESTWOOD. WORDPRESS.COM

Strasse Dog Grooming and day spa services are by appointment only here. The attached BarketPlace retail store offers all-natural dog and cat food and treats, including by delivery. 605 MAIN ST., COVINGTON, (859) 431-7387, FACEBOOK.COM/ STRASSEDOG

P IHLOL TUOS GT R A TP IHOSN BS YB JYO(NL AE TF TH)A GN OWO IDL LS ITSU D I O / S T O C K . A D O B E . C O M / ( R I G H T ) T O P V E C T O R S / S T O C K . A D O B E . C O M

This digital dog-training studio was created by three Cincinnati friends to provide structured content on your phone or tablet to build good habits for both owner and dog. A library of fast, energetic training games provides step-by-step instructions for crate training, learning new tricks, general socialization, and problem behavior modification. Subscriptions are $9.99 per month, with a 90-day free trial. HARPER.DOG

Paws Look Listen Dog training is done one-on-one at your home while you’re at work, at school, or watching TV, with a special focus on large breeds that often don’t know their own strength or whose misbehaving causes big problems. Their Dog & Baby training helps families and dogs prepare for the new arrival and create bonds between baby and pet through the early years. General training rates start at $135 per hour, and there’s a $200 fee for the initial consultation. (513) 4978847, PAWSLOOKLISTEN.COM

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PROUD PET PARENTS

High-profile owners on what makes their littlest family members so loveable. — K A T I E C O B U R N

“She’s a 4-and-a-halfyear-old rescue dog whom my wife, Sarah, and I adopted when Oakley was 3 months old. We believe she’s a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Brittany Spaniel.

In 2016, Sarah and I tagged along with some friends to the annual Oakley Pup

Crawl, and we genuinely had zero intention of leaving with a dog. But we locked eyes with Oakley, who had been brought there from a rescue shelter in Adams County, and it honestly was love at first sight. We aren’t particularly impulsive people, but this was a pure impulse decision,

P. G . S I T T E N F E L D

Cincinnati City Councilmember

OAKLEY

and we’ve been delighted every day since. The uncondi-

tional love of a dog, or any pet, is a pretty awesome thing.”

M OL LY W E L L M AN N Owner of Wellmann’s Brands

TUNA

“We have three cats: Charles H. Baker, after the American author known for writing about cocktails; Tuna, because any time I wanted Charlie to come I would just yell tuna! and he would come, so I thought I could get them both to come if I named her Tuna. The funny thing is that Tuna is stubborn as hell and won’t come when I call her name.... We also have Jimmy. He is [my husband Tim “Bee” Gundrum]’s cat. Their favorite thing in the world is watching birds and squirrels and any other creature that wanders into the backyard. They also love canned tuna and cuddling—only when it’s on their terms, of course. I love when they all pile into bed with us.”

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MAY 2020

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRIAN STEEGE

R O S E L AV E L L E

L A KS H M I SAMMARCO

U.S. Women’s National Team Soccer Player

Hamilton County Coroner

WILMA JEAN WRINKLES

SPOOKY GHOST, MANGO, CANNOLI

“Spooky Ghost is a 3-and-a-halfyear-old rescue Albino Indian Ringneck parrot.

He’s very sweet and snuggly. We were going to name him Snowball or Fluffers, but about three weeks after we got him he started saying, Spooky Ghost.

Good boy Ghost. He likes to shred paper and make spit balls! Mango is a 5-year-old Sun Conure. He’s our guard

“My 7-year-old English bulldog is a huge soccer fan. She supports all of my teams: the USWNT, Washington Spirit, and University of Wisconsin. We enjoy cuddling and doing nothing together. I love how she’s always excited to see me whenever I come home. I stay in contact with her through FaceTime. We had a toy that allowed me to give her treats while I wasn’t home, but Wilma took advantage of it and the machine broke.”

parrot, squawks up a storm when someone pulls in the driveway. He came from a breeder in Sharonville. I have harness-trained him since we got him when

he was 12 weeks old, so I can take him for walks even though his wings aren’t clipped. Cannoli is an 18-year-old rescue Green-naped Rainbow Lorikeet. He is a

complete clown. He’s very active, loves scritchies, and imitates all sorts of sounds, like the telephone, purring, house alarm, coughing, sneezing, and snoring.”

OLAF

HEATHER HAUSER Pet Handler at Pet Partners

R O S E A N D W I L M A P H OTO G R A P H C O U R T E SY R O S E L AV E L L E

TIANA

JASMINE

RAPUNZEL

“Each of my guinea pigs has their own strengths as a therapy pet. Rapunzel, with her long hair, is a showstopper. She is very soft, and it’s therapeutic and calming to play with

KRISTOFF

her long fur. Jasmine the skinny pig may not be the traditional soft, furry therapy pet that most people think of, but she’s a very interesting distraction from whatever people are

TH E RAPY GU I N EA PIGS

ANNA

ELSA

going through. Olaf, the newest therapy guinea pig, is very social and inquisitive. He wants to smell and sometimes lick everyone he meets.... I visit all the St. Elizabeth hospitals on a

regular basis. The piggies provide a fun distraction and comfort to those who are about to have surgery and their families while they’re waiting to hear about their loved

ones.... I love traveling with my piggies, making people smile and spreading joy. I feel that it’s truly a calling for me and I’m doing God’s work through my little animals.”

MAY 2020

49

PROTECT AND SERVE

The first time Corrine Go-

golewski had a seizure, it happened overnight when she was about 9 years old. Her mother, Beth, heard a small noise, looked in on her, and found her face-down on her pillow, not breathing.

Since then, Beth has slept on the floor in her daughter’s bedroom in their West Chester home. Indeed, the whole family The Netflix series Dogs profiles a West Chester family was immediately on high alert, monitorand its 4 Paws for Ability service dog. — A M Y B R O W N L E E ing Corrine’s every move day and night.

Her twin sister, Carly, felt responsible for helping to keep her alive.

But things have changed for the Gogolewski family, and we see how in season one of Netflix’s series, Dogs, which first aired in November 2018 and remains available on the streaming service. Dogs features six stories from around the world that explore the bond 50

MAY 2020

I L LU S T R AT I O N BY B E N K I R C H N E R

that people and dogs share. In the first episode, we see then– 12-year-old Corrine’s battle with epilepsy and the toll it takes on her and her family.

For many months, Corrine and her family worked with 4 Paws for Ability, a Xenia-based agency that breeds and trains service dogs and matches them with clients, many of whom are children. “That’s an underserved population,” explains

4 Paws for Ability has placed more than 1,300 service dogs with clients in 21 years.

Development Director Kelly Camm. Many agencies have a minimum age or ability level for a service dog client, which leaves out countless children who would benefit dramatically by having one. In its 21 years, 4 Paws for Ability has placed more than 1,300 dogs, currently placing about 100 a year.

Dogs documents Corrine’s first meeting with her own service dog, Rory, which 4 Paws for Ability trained specifically for her medical needs. In eight training sessions each year, families come from all over the U.S. and the world to spend 12 days learning everything they can about their dogs.

(Families have the option of staying at the Dayton Ronald McDonald House during their visit.) The training room is a hopeful place, filled with dozens of excited children and their families and the happy, well-trained, affectionate dogs they’ll be taking home.

Even though there are cute dogs aplenty, this show isn’t exactly the Puppy Bowl. The hard truths come fast and furious, starting with a sad moment on the show when Carly realizes that she won’t even be getting the “family dog” she’s been hoping for—siblings are forbidden from feeding or playing with a service dog, lest they form their own bond that displaces the dog’s intended human partner. (There’s a happy ending here, though: Carly was able to get a “client companion” from 4 Paws.)

For her part, Beth still sleeps on Corrine’s bedroom floor.

But she rests a little easier knowing that Rory is there alongside her.

P H O T O G R A P H B Y B E V E R LY W A L L R A U C H O F M E M O R I E S B Y B E V E R LY

Top Dogs Circle Tail provides no-cost help and hope to those in need. — A M Y B R O W N L E E

Service dogs are the nurses of the animal world.

They’re highly trained specialists working to provide around-theclock assistance to those with disabilities and life-threatening conditions.

It’s no wonder, then, that the estimated cost to train and partner a dog-person team can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

But the nonprofit Circle Tail exists to make service dogs more accessible. “We raise, train, and partner service and hearing dogs for people with disabilities at no charge,” says founder and Executive Director Marlys Staley.

Service dogs accompany people out in public, of course, assisting with everything from navigation to reducing anxiety. But that’s just the work we

can see. Assistance animals like hearing dogs provide muchneeded oversight and companionship, as well as a connection to the outside world from the privacy of one’s home.

Hearing dogs, for instance, train to alert people to sounds in their environment, such as a knock on the door or a ringing phone.

The dog uses her nose to nudge the person, and then takes them to the source of the sound. “It can be isolating for a person with a disability,” says Staley. “This breaks the isolation to have a companion that is kind of an extension of them—their arms, their legs, their ears.”

Circle Tail provides low-cost training for home pets as well, says Staley. “A lot of our pet training is for people who have gotten their dogs from rescues and shelters, and they have some behavior issues associated with that,” she says. “We’re trying to help people in our community have good relationships with their dogs.”

Happy dogs, happy people. 8834 CAREY LANE, PLEASANT PLAIN, (513) 877-3325, CIRCLE TAIL.ORG

P H OTO G R A P H S BY T I N A M c K E E , C I R C L E TA I L

MAY 2020

51

Bird Mobile Your bird can perch, climb, and chew on this colorful hanging mobile toy sold at The Bird Shoppe. $16.99, THEBIRD SHOPPE.COM

Doggy Dress Dress up your artsy pup in one of these cute collars found at Pet Wants Cincy. $10–$14, PETWANTSCINCY.COM

WHERE WE SHOP FOR THEM

Laser Tag Keep your feline friend entertained all day with this bird-shaped laser toy sold at Petey’s Pet Shop. $9.99, PETEYSPET STOP.COM

Treat your pets to the toys they deserve.

sh

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DELHIPETCENTER.COM

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We promise your bunny will love whatever leafy green you serve in this carrot-shaped dish from Delhi Pet Center. $7.99,

Bir

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R ab b it

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King of the Trunk Let your little guy climb on this life-like Zilla turtle trunk, with a floating platform that rises and lowers with changing water levels, from Animal House. $39.99, ANIMAL HOUSECINCINNATI.COM

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MAY 2020

Tank Protector What fish doesn’t want to share his tank with a Star Wars AT-AT Walker? Find this one at Monfort Aquarium & Pet Shop. $29.99, MONFORTAQUARIUM.COM

P H O T O G R A P H S B Y A A R O N M . C O N W AY

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN

Losing your dog or cat isn’t

something you want to think about, let alone prepare for. When the day comes, or when your aging pet becomes sick, you can get real hospice care and say goodbye in the comfort of your own home.

Angel’s Paws provides compassionAngel’s Paws helps pet owners manage end-of-life ate end-of-life services for pets and their owners, including hospice, home treatment and decisions. — K A R A H A G E R M A N euthanasia, private cremation, counseling, and support groups. While some veterinarians offer home euthanasia and refer to the service as hospice, Angel’s Paws provides true hospice for pets, access to care 24/7 in the home with an interdisciplinary approach through their Pet Parent Peace of Mind Program. “Pet hospice is a pioneering field,” says Tammy Wynn, founder of Angel’s Paws. “We’ve been at it for 10 years, working as a mirror image of human hospice.”

Joanne and David Moore signed up for Pet Parent Peace of Mind last year for their two greyhounds, Stella and Dylan, when Dylan started having medical problems. Twice, an Angel’s Paws vet tech showed up in the middle of the night to help manage Dylan’s pain, and stayed for more than two hours. “It meant a lot to be able to have someone come to our house, especially because Dylan had anxiety issues, so we could give him the care he needed without leaving home,” Joanne says. “When they came, they were as concerned about us as they were about our pet.

That made such a difference.”

Angel’s Paws currently has partnerships with 89 brick-and-mortar veterinary practices in the region, and continues to grow. “There is no other city that has such a blanket of true health hospice available to pet owners,” Wynn says. “When a family is living with a special needs pet, it can be unsettling to go to bed not knowing if the pet will have an urgent need resulting in a chaotic run to the emergency room. Not the way most pet parents envision the last few moments in this life with their pet.” 11341 GROOMS RD., BLUE ASH, (513) 489-7297, ANGELSPAWS.COM

End-of-Life Services Saying goodbye is the hardest part. — C H R I S P A S I O N Faithful Friends Pet Memory Center As pet owners tackle difficult decisions at the end of a pet’s life, Faithful Friends provides comfort, care, and guidance. Their pre-planning, grief counseling, and final arrangements help make saying goodbye just a

little bit easier. 4796 LIMABURG RD., HEBRON, (859) 282-6527, FAITHFUL FRIENDSPETMEMORY CENTER.COM

Highland Pet Cemetery Historic Highland Cemetery established a separate area on its property in 1995 for people to pay respects

to their departed pets.

Highland offers full funeral services to help honor those relationships and ease pet owners through the grieving process. 2167 DIXIE HWY., FT. MITCHELL, (859) 331-3220, HIGHLANDCEM ETERYSITE.WORDPRESS. COM/HIGHLAND-PETCEMETERY

IPLHLOUTSOT GR RA AT IPOHNSS BBYY J (OTNOAPT) HBAENN WK I LRLCIHS N E R / ( B O T T O M ) Z A C H A R Y G H A D E R I

The Pines Pet Cemetery and Cremation Center The end-of-life services provided here include cremations, private burials, and country burials to properly say goodbye. Their pet memorabilia services allow you to keep hair clippings and clay or ink paw prints and nose prints. 764 RILEY WILLS RD., LEBANON, (513) 9322270, PINESPETCEMETERY ANDCREMATIONCENTER. COM

MAY 2020

53

55

M More than three dozen people in puffy jackets and woolen scarves squeeze into tight rows of black folding chairs in a darkened room on this January weeknight. There’s a grade-school girl with a huge black bow in her hair. A middle-aged couple who’d been meaning to do this for years and finally found the time. College students.

Retirees. A teen celebrating his 16th birthday. A sign at the front of the room proclaims the occasion: “The Winter Sky – Dean Regas.” raise their hands. “Oh my! Where have you guys been?” He pauses. “We’ve been here for, well, with the telescope, it’s like almost 175 years!” They laugh. He’s kidding, but the reference to the longevity of the observatory and its telescopes is real.

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, came to Cincinnati in 1843 to dedicate the observatory as LOOK AND TOUCH “The Lighthouse of the Sky.” A THE OLDEST TELESCOPE IN PUBLIC year and a half later, on April USE IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE (BELOW) 14, 1845, Regas’s distant asHAS BEEN THRILLING tronomer predecessor, OrmsVISITORS TO THE CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY

by MacKnight Mitchel, proudCENTER (OPPOSITE PAGE) FOR 175 YEARS. ly turned the 11-inch Merz & Mahler refractor toward the night sky and introduced Cincinnatians to celestial wonders. Tonight, Regas promises, he’s offering the same experience with the same refractor.

It’s now the oldest telescope in public use in the western hemisphere.

In the back row, the middleaged couple attending their much-delayed astronomy class exchange looks and shake

silver domes at the Cincinnati Observatory Center in Mt. Lookout. The wannabe stargazers watch expectantly as he shares the good news.

Regas studies his audience, asking, “How many of you are first-time visitors?” He seems incredulous when most

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARY STRUBBE

A slim figure with short, dark hair and black-rimmed glasses, Regas enters just after 7 p.m. He carries no notes.

The 46-year-old has spent thousands of hours tracing the winter sky over the last 20 years and long ago committed the names of the stars and constellations, as well as their ancient stories, to memory. He’s prepared to spend the entire evening sharing tales of what he dubs “The Winter Football,” the spheroid-shaped pattern of stars that sparkle in the Cincinnati sky on clear nights around the time of the NFL’s Super Bowl.

Like Bengals Super Bowl appearances, though, clear nights are rare during Cincinnati winters. He’ll keep his remarks brief tonight, because his greatest adversaries, the clouds, have receded. His all-star players are ready to shine. “You guys picked a good one,” Regas tells the fans of the heavens who have gathered under the

their heads. What on earth took them so long to do this? Regas could ask himself the same question.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KEITH ALLEN

O ver t he la s t t wo decades, Dean Regas has become known as Cincinnati’s greatest astronomy enthusiast. He’s documented astronomical highlights in more than 150 Cincinnati Enquirer columns. He’s chased transits and eclipses from the desert in Arizona to the Mediterranean Sea near Greece to a Super 8 Motel parking lot in Knoxville, Tennessee. He makes about 100 media appearances a year discussing space trivia on NPR’s well-known Science Friday program, he writes about the history of observatories in Sky & Telescope Magazine, and he chats about meteor showers and lunar eclipses with radio hosts and TV meteorologists.

In December 2019, Regas wrapped up his ninth and final season as cohost of Star Gazers, a PBS program that airs on more than 100 stations across the country. And in 2017, he launched Looking Up, Cincinnati Public Radio’s first podcast separate from its on-air programming.

He’s also published three books; a new expanded version of his 100 Things to See in the Night Sky is scheduled for release in June. And this year he’ll personally lead more than 150 talks at local schools, breweries, and retirement centers, along with conferences and national parks across the country, as part of his role as the Cincinnati Observatory’s outreach astronomer.

But the stars that brought Regas to astronomy didn’t align until adulthood, dividing his life into what he calls two stages: Before Astronomy and After As-

tronomy. The Columbus, Ohio, native arrived at Xavier University in 1992 with undetermined career plans. He tried his hand at communications, journalism, and math. History seemed to stick, so he trained to become a high school history teacher. “But then I did my student teaching and figured out I didn’t want to do that, either,” he says.

Always a fan of the outdoors, Regas found work as a Cincinnati Parks naturalist. In a story he tells often, he discovered his calling under a simulated night sky in the 20-seat Wolff Planetarium at Burnet Woods. He’d never taken an astronomy class and couldn’t even identify the North Star, but his boss asked him to give a star talk to a group of Girl Scouts, with a week to study up on the constellations.

“It’s the first day of training and the lights are off, and they put the stars on the ceiling,” Regas recalled during a recent event at Northern Kentucky University. “It was like the stars started talking to me. I knew in five seconds that this was for me. It was like a pseudo-religious moment.”

Saturn completed his conversion to full-blown astronomy devotee, according to a 2016 column for Sky & Telescope.

Among stacks of old textbooks in the parks building, Regas writes that he discovered a “dusty, 4.5-inch reflecting

57

telescope in a wooden box. Soon I had semi-focused images of distant buildings, trees, and, at nightfall, the moon. I had my existential moon moment, one of awe and wonder.”

Then came Saturn. “When I swung the telescope toward it, entered it in the finder, and placed my eye to the eyepiece, I gasped,” he writes. “I was experiencing sunlight bouncing off an improbable planet almost a billion miles away and arriving in my eye and soul. . . . The moon was cool, but Saturn made me an astronomer.”

About the time Regas discovered astronomy, the Cincinnati Observatory was rebounding from a near-death experience. Years of neglect left the two buildings and their historic telescopes—a 16inch Alvan Clark and Sons refractor built in 1904 and the 11-inch Merz & Mahler purchased in Munich, Bavaria, in 1842— in deplorable condition, says John Ventre, observatory historian. University of Cincinnati physics professor Paul Nohr had restored the scopes during the 1980s, but rumors later swirled that UC planned to sell the site to condo developers, dooming the observatory to the wrecking ball.

That’s when Mt. Lookout neighbors, preservationists, and astronomers came together to C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E 9 5

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

How It All Went Down

B

y all accounts St. Xavier High School was a

pretty buttoned-up place in the late 1960s: an all-male student body with a coat-and-tie dress code, daily Mass (confession optional), and a special Jesuit brand of detention called J.U.G., or Justice Under God (still in place today; ditto for the all-male thing). The chief rule enforcer back then was Patrick J. Boyle, S.J., the school’s assistant principal and unofficial dean of discipline, legendary for incidents like sending boys home mid-day for a haircut if their locks even grazed the tops of their shirt collars.

At the very same time, out in the world-at-large, the times they were a-changin’, as the song lyrics sort of go. Between war, devastating assassinations, increasingly violent protests, political theater, and even the world’s first manned lunar orbit, 1968 in particular would end up being one of the most pivotal and tumultuous years in recent U.S. history. High school and college students nationwide had begun advocating vehemently for a freer, less restrictive, and more open society; in the process they’d also managed to usher in a new era of rock music that aptly reflected the times (sex, drugs, et al). Such was the cultural landscape when St. X’s class of 1968 entered its senior year and a new principal, Father Ed Smith, arrived on campus for—among many other things—his first meetings with the student council.

One of the group’s first orders of business: planning the prom. For as long as anyone could remember, it had been a seniors-only event, separate from the junior prom and usually held at a place like the Music Hall ballroom or the Vernon Manor Inn, with young men and women in formal attire, a sedate local dance band, and Jesuit chaperones. That year, though, someone decided it was time to change things up, and convinced the two classes to combine their proms; if they did, they were promised, a nationally known rock band could play at the event.

Some say the plan was hatched by a fearless junior named Rip Pelley, with an almost inexplicable connection to music industry insiders. Some say the rock band idea was a proverbial olive branch offered by Father Smith, who’d requested the combination prom in an effort to save money, or because he’d done it that way at his previous school. Either way, what came next is the stuff of legend: The Yardbirds ended up playing the 1968 St. Xavier High School Junior-Senior prom. Lead guitarist? Rolling Stone magazine’s third-greatest guitarist of all time, Jimmy Page.

60

Combining the proms was not an idea St. X seniors initially appreciated. In fact, says then–senior class president Pete Ruehlmann, student council members knew many of their senior classmates wouldn’t be interested in sharing their “special night.”

Ultimately, the class of 1968 voted and approved the change by a narrow margin; a big part of the incentive for those on the fence, says former student body vice president Tom Keefe, was that concept of “a nationally recognized name band. What genre? Rock and roll, absolutely. How big? Someone that, if you turned on WSAI, it was gonna be a band on the radio.” But who that band would be or how an all-boys Catholic high school in Cincinnati was going to get hold of them, no one really knew.

Enter Rip Pelley.

RIP PELLEY, ’69 I was president of the junior student council. I was [also] a guitar player in a music group locally called Uncle Sam’s Population; we were far from the best group in town, but we weren’t that bad. But I actually had an agent, Stan Hertzman, who used to book me into these small, little $100-a-night gigs.

TOM KEEFE, ’68 student body vice president: Once the decision was

made that [the prom] was gonna go combo, it was almost a jumping-off point [for] Rip Pelley, this junior. I knew Rip; many of us did. Rip had this unbelievable connection for a 16- or 17-year-old with the music industry.

PELLEY All I was told was, “Go get the information, and we’ll vote on it.”

I called [Stan] up and I said I need to book a big band, and he gave me the name of an agency in New York. So I called that agent and I said, “Give me a list of groups that might be available to play our prom and what their prices might look like.”

K E E F E As strange as [it] might sound, there was a process he went through. My sense is that he would report back [to student council]: I

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

been like a month or two [before prom], and he said “THE that something came up with the Grass Roots. I YARDBIRDS P E L L E Y Long story can’t remember if it was short, we settled on the an illness or a scheduling WERE A FAR Grass Roots. The [Jesuconflict—whatever. All I it] prefect [for student MORE EDGY remember is, I was lookcouncil] heard the muing up the phone number sic—I think “Midnight BAND, BASED to Moeller High School Confessions” and a couto see if I could get in.

IN BLUES AND ple other hits; they were So he said to me, “Well, conservative enough I got a substitute that I RHYTHM AND that the priest was OK think you’re gonna like: with it. But one of the BLUES.” the Yardbirds.” And I said, rules was that I also had “Yeah, but it’s gotta be the to get a bubble band— same price.” He said, “You an orchestra, [like on] got it. It’s the same price.”

The Lawrence Welk Show [with] the DAN TEMMING, ’69 You have to underbubbles, right?—to play in between the two 45-minute sets that the rock stand: Rebellion hadn’t really crept into band was going to play. It just so hapthe dialogue yet, but they were not your pened the girl I was dating at the time, standard British Invasion-type band, like Patti Purdy, her father had an orchesThe Beatles and Herman’s Hermits— tra. You gotta get in with the family, groups you used to hum along to on the right? [Laughs.] So he got the nod. radio when their songs were played.

They were a good, well-known group The Yardbirds were a far more edgy around town, performed all over Cinband, based in blues and rhythm and cinnati and the region. blues. They had had some top 40 hits.

The difference for me and some other PATTI PURDY CHARLES, ’69 Reguys—we kinda knew the bloodline that gina High School: My dad had been this band had in terms of guitar playplaying music forever; I think we were ers. They started out with Top Topham, his first prom. [His orchestra] was, I then he left and Eric Clapton joined the don’t know, six people, maybe five. My band until they got their first hit. Then dad played clarinet and saxophone; Jeff Beck came along and played on most there was a drummer and probably a of their other top 40 hits, and then he keyboard player. They played what left. By that time they’re an international we would call grown-up music at the band and Jimmy Page, who basically was time—jazz and covers of people’s a session musician in London, hooked up work. Rip probably thought my dad with them. would be easy on the price, and I’m sure he was. And they knew each other.

PELLEY So, knees knocking, I had to go Not well, but they did know each other; back in and present this to the student we had been dating for a while. council and the prefect. And it was kind of mixed. Some guys were PELLEY The contracts like, Who? The prefect made were signed. Everyme walk with him through thing was great and fine the hallways asking people and wonderful until I what they thought about the got a call from the agent Yardbirds. in New York. It might’ve

pretty law-and-order oriented. I suspect both of them knew as much about the Yardbirds as I did—not a thing.

tried this one and it isn’t gonna work or The money isn’t right, or whatever.

PELLEY But we were out of time, right?

So I just kinda said, “Look, this is a really good group from England. And the guitar player is great, and blah, blah, blah.” However it got worked out, whether it was my art of the deal or whatever it was, we went with ’em.

NELSON There was really quite a great deal of trust put in student judgment. Not that [administrators] didn’t check and verify, [but] they were really trusting the students wanted to do something good.

KEVIN “CASEY” McKEOWN, ’69 Rip sold the whole deal to the student council. I always said Rip could sell a snowball to an Eskimo; he was very persuasive.

CHARLES He could do anything for his age. He was pretty remarkable.

KEEFE Rip really was a unique player in this entire process. He knew the right guy, who knew the right [band]. It was Rip working his connections. And daggonit, we went from a concept to: Rip Pelley got the Yardbirds!

The Day Of The Prom The Yardbirds’ lineup since December 1966 had been Keith Relf, Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, and Jimmy Page. “Incessant touring,” wrote The Yardbirds author Alan Clayson, was a way of life for the band as they began their eighth U.S. tour in March 1968, playing at everything from Alabama’s International Speedway Fairgrounds to coliseums and college campuses (they also allegedly visited one other high school that year, in Connecticut, for a “senior class concert,” per Clayson’s book).

The night before the St. X prom, they taped a performance in Cleveland for a national TV show called Upbeat.

Here in Cincinnati, Pelley had secured a special location for the prom performance: the brand new $10 million Convention Center, which had just opened in 1967. “With St. X students from all over town,” says Pelley, “I thought it was a good centralized location.”

There is CONTINUED ON PAGE 97

former St. Xavier Director of Development and student council adviser: The principal, Father

PA U L N E L S O N RIDE THE DRAGON IN 2019, FENDER CREATED A REPLICA VERSION OF JIMMY PAGE’S “DRAGON” TELECASTER, WHICH HE PLAYED AT THE ST. X PROM.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY FENDER

[Smith], and dean of discipline, Father Boyle were

61

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OSCAR ASESYAN

JULIE K. BACK

SUSANNE ANTON

JANE ASHCRAFT-WEST

BECKY BAIRD

SUSAN ARMSTRONG

SCOT C. AVERY

SCOTT BAKER

JODY ASCHENDORF

DEBRA AYERS

SHELLEY BALLOU

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 307-3937 Sibcy Cline (513) 777-8100 Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121

Kopf Hunter Haas (513) 235-3867

Sibcy Cline (513) 777-8100

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 344-5766 HUFF Realty (513) 644-4833

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 673-8810

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 341-9000 Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 777-7900 Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 474-6767 M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 6 3

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AMY BARKETT

Re/Max United Associates (513) 519-6155 AMY BARNES

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 654-5000 JOY E. BARON-ECKER

HUFF Realty (513) 792-3000

KELLY S. BARRETT

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 ERIC BARTH

Keller Williams Advisors (895) 912-2104 JESSICA BAUER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 533-1606 ANNE BEDINGHAUS

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 922-9400 CHRIS BEHM

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 518-2353 LISA BELINKY-CRAWFORD

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121 MARSHA BELL

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 341-9000 STEPHANIE BENEDETTI

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 KAREN BEVINS

Sibcy Cline (513) 474-4800 KIM BEYER

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 574-0600 AARON BINIK-THOMAS

Keynote Realtors (513) 226-3179

BETH BOKON-ONTHANK

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 SHERI BOONE

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 252-3647 SHAWN BOSSE

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 474-5000

CHRISTINA BOWLING

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 874-3300 JEFFERY BOYLE

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 874-3300 LISA J. BRANDENBURG

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

MARILYN M. BREIER

HUFF Realty (859) 578-4995

WILLIAM BRESSER

Sibcy Cline (513) 248-0800

ROBERT J. BROCKER

HUFF Realty (513) 533-1900

RON BROSSART

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 441-5333 MARGARET BROWN

Sibcy Cline (513) 931-7700

BETH BROWN-CIUL

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 874-3300 TRACI BROWNE

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 341-9000 CHERYL BRUN

Sibcy Cline (513) 932-6334 CYNTHIA D. BRUNER

HUFF Realty (513) 644-4833

TINA BURTON

NANCY BRUNK

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 KATHY BRYANT

Sibcy Cline (513) 474-4800

SANDRA BURKHART-WILLIAMS

HUFF Realty (513) 519-4683 BILL BURRESS

Plum Tree Realty (513) 335-6212

6 4 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

JgZafkgf Kgl`]Zq k International Realty (513) 253-1815

CINDY CAHILL

Realty Executives Select (859) 331-7400

PAT CHRYSLER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 766-0707

GAIL CAINES

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

HEATHER CLAYPOOL

Hoeting Realtors (513) 304-1197

DIANNA CALDWELL

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

CHRISTY CLEMENT

Sibcy Cline (513) 677-1830

TIFFANY CALDWELL

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 341-9000 HELENA AND MARC CAMERON

Sibcy Cline 7395 Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, OH 45040 (513) 403-4023 sibcycline.com/camerongroup TERESA CANTRALL-KRAFT

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

STEVEN CARNEVALE

Re/Max Victory (513) 615-3228

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700

SANDY CARTER-HALL

Sibcy Cline (513) 677-1830

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

CHRISTINE COLGLAZIER

HUFF Realty (513) 474-3500

ROBERT M. COLLINS

Keller Williams Pinnacle Group (513) 282-3190 NAT COMISAR

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121 BRENDA M. CONNER

JUDITH L. CONNETT

HUFF Realty (859) 781-5100

KRISTIAN P. CONNLEY

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

TEELA CASSEDAY

Sibcy Cline (513) 931-7700

ANNIE CASTLE

(513) 673-7633 Comey & Shepherd 7870 E. Kemper Rd., Suite 190, Cincinnati, OH 45249, acastle@comey.com NADINE CATALANO

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700

DAWNE CHAPMAN

Coldwell Banker West Shell (855) 755.9965 BARBARA CHASTEEN

Sibcy Cline (513) 360-0110

RYAN A. CLENDENIN

HUFF Realty (513) 792-3000

CELIA CARROLL

PATTY BRUNER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 779-8500

SEAN CHMURA

Sibcy Cline (513) 474-4800

CLINT COPENHAVER

JgZafkgf Kgl`]Zq k International Realty (513) 379-3467 PATRICIA COSLETT

HUFF Realty (859) 578-4995 TIM COTTRILL

Sibcy Cline (513) 931-7700 NIKKI CULBERTSON

Culbertson Real Estate Group (859) 653-0972 DAVID DAWSON

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 DAN DAY

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 574-0600

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JON DECURTINS

NANCY FOLCHI

DUANE DEGROFF

BRYNN FOSSETT

MONIKA DEROUSSEL

STEPHANIE FROST

ERA Real Solutions Realty (513) 600-7231 Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 874-8373 JEFFREY DILBONE

Investment Property Advisors (513) 489-1500 DEBRA DIXON

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 CHRIS DOHRMANN

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 673-8810 Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 290-8928 Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

WILLIAM GABBARD

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 874-3300 JAMIE GABBARD

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 594-5066 V. GAIL-WAGNER

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 474-6767

MARY DRODER

Star One Realtors (513) 607-4666 GINA DUBELL-SMITH

eXp Realty (513) 477-1219

RON GARLAND

Comey & Shepherd Realtors 7870 E. Kemper Rd., Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45249, (513) 703-4945, RonGarland.com

KEVIN DUFFY

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 602-6000 TERESA DURBIN

AARON GARRETT

Lohmiller Real Estate (812) 528-6683

Sibcy Cline (513) 829-0044

STACY GENDELMAN

STEVE EARLY

JgZafkgf Kgl`]Zq k International Realty (513) 900-7009

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121 RHONDA EVERITT

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 290-1899 SANDY FAULKNER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 646-4681 JULIE L. FEAGAN

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

EDMUND FERRALL

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 260-7033 CHERYL FERRY

Keller Williams Advisors (513) 289-2320 ROB FIX

Sibcy Cline (513) 777-8100

CHRIS GERKE

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 673-7074 WALT GIBLER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 382-4109 TERI GILLMAN

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 403-3000

LAURIE SIMON GOLDMAN

Sibcy Cline 8040 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH (513) 550-0124 Lgoldman.agents.sibcycline.com

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 321-9944 KATHY HEIMBROCK

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

PATRINA HENSLEY DON GORMAN

Star One Realtors (859) 240-4347 TORRI GRACE

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700 CONNIE GREENE

JgZafkgf Kgl`]Zq k International Realty (513) 265-7819 MARCIA GREENWALD

Sibcy Cline (513) 248-0800

PATRICK GREGORY

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

SUSAN A. GRIFFIN

HUFF Realty (812) 537-4663 LYNN GROOMS

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 474-5000 DENISE GUIDUCCI

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 686-7677 NICOLE GULICK

Henkle Schueler (513) 932-6070 SUSAN HAAS

Kopf Hunter Haas (513) 235-3867 BOB HAHN

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

TERESA GILLUM

LORI HALL-POLLARD

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

Sibcy Cline (513) 777-8100

VICTOR GODBEY JR.

REGINA HAMILTON

Sibcy Cline (513) 367-1900

Sibcy Cline (513) 367-1900

SUSIE GOEDDE

TERRY HARTKE

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 515-4436

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 874-8373

HALLIE GOLDCAMP

LORRIE HAYES

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 382-4109

ADAM HAYHOW

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888 LYNN HENSLEY

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 777-7900 KIM HERMANN

HUFF Realty (859) 781-5100

JENNIFER HERRON LIGHTCAP

Sibcy Cline 8040 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236, (513) 295-5769, agent. sibcycline.com/jlightcap ANDREW M. HERSEY

Star One Realtors (513) 835-5506 KARAN HEUER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500 JULIE HICE

Sibcy Cline (513) 474-4800 KEVIN HILDEBRAND

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 677-5333 TIM HINDE

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500 MARY JO HOFFMAN

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 235-6067 COLEEN HOLT

3B Realty Group (513) 899-1609 LISA E. HOPE

HUFF Realty (513) 644-4833 RANDALL B. HORNE

HUFF Realty (513) 939-3000

DEBI HORNSBY

HUFF Realty (812) 537-4663

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 6 5

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MISHA HOUSTON

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 874-8373 CINDY HOWARD

Sibcy Cline (513) 932-6334

MONICA HOWE

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 RICHARD HUBBARD

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 441-5333

ANGELA HUDDLESTON

Lohmiller Real Estate (513) 260-8634

MICHELLE HUDEPOHL

Coldwell Banker Heritage (513) 254-5440 LISA IBOLD

Hoeting Realtors (513) 328-1484 BRUCE R. IBOLD

HUFF Realty (513) 939-3000 BILL ILIFF

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 518-8196 DAWN ISENHOWER

Sibcy Cline (513) 248-0800 COCO JAMES

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 BOB JANSEN

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 574-0600 CORY JENNEWEIN

Re/Max Victory (513) 332-9073 ADAM JESSEN

Re/Max United Associates (513) 655-2323 TERESA JOHNSON

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 836-6064 ANDREA JOHNSON

Re/Max Victory (513) 253-3780

BARRY KAPLAN

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 368-9000

KEVIN KELLY

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 922-9400

BRITT LANGMAN

JgZafkgf Kgl`]Zq k International Realty (859) 802-7060

CHRIS KENNEDY

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

SANDRA LETTIE

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 310-6922

BISHNU KHAREL

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 874-8373

TOM LETZLER

Sibcy Cline (513) 777-8100

AMY KING

Sibcy Cline (513) 360-0110

SUE S. LEWIS

Sibcy Cline (513) 931-7700

DENNIS KING

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 378-5464

JOE R. LINZ

Star One Realtors (513) 300-6663

DENISE KOESTERMAN

Keller Williams Advisors (513) 289-7322

FRANK LITTRELL

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

HEATHER KOPF

Kopf Hunter Haas (513) 235-3867

NEIL LOBERT

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700

PETE KOPF

Kopf Hunter Haas (513) 235-3867

JOHN LORMS

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

LAURA KRAEMER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 305-8215

WAYNE LOUDERMILK

Sibcy Cline (513) 248-0800

TERESA KRAFT

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 341-9000

TONI LOUIS

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 874-8373

ANN KRAMER

Sibcy Cline (513) 777-8100

ANDREW LOVETT

Realty Executives Select (859) 344-0800

KATHLEEN KRAMER

Star One Realtors (513) 265-8650

ERIC LOWRY

eXp Realty (513) 368-3751

BRIANNE KROGER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500

DALE LUTZ

Cornerstone Realty (812) 637-2220

ROBERT KUGLER

Bowling & Kugler Realty (513) 844-8405

KENNETH W. MADDIN

HUFF Realty (812) 537-4663

LINDA KUNKEL

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 382-4109

BETH MAHONEY

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700

DEB LAFRANCE

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 533-4111 KURT J. LAMPING

Star One Realtors (513) 602-2100

6 6 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

TIM MAHONEY II

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700

HOLLY MALONEY

Maloneygroup – eXp Realty Serving Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana (513) 607-1986 maloneysoldmine.com DOUG MANZLER

Keller Williams Advisors (513) 884-9944 SHEREE MARCUM

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 617-5371 LAURIE MARRA

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500 DEBI MARTIN

Keller Williams Advisors (513) 313-9390 PATRICK MARTINI

HUFF Realty (812) 537-4663

KRYSTY M. MATTHEWS

HUFF Realty (859) 781-5100

MARK MATTINGLY

Sibcy Cline (513) 360-0110

MELISSA MAXWELL

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

MICHEAL E. McCAFFERTY

Star One Realtors (513) 621-3004

LISA E. McCARTHY

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 922-9400 JENNI McCAULEY

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 JUDY McCOY

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 766-0889 DENISE McCOY

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 JENNIFER McGILLIS

Keller Williams Seven Hills Realty (513) 344-9077 MICHAEL McKEOWN

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2020 Real Estate All-Stars

Chris Secaur, Secaur & Associates Real estate is more than a career for Chris Secaur—it’s a family legacy. His family’s long and successful history in real estate started in the 1960s with the Cline Company. Chris’s grandmother, Lois Yeager, was a real estate commissioner appointed by the governor of Ohio. He learned the ropes from her.

Chris had a long career in corporate America, however, before deciding to enter the family business in 2006.

“I thought real estate was going to be easy, watching my grandparents when I was younger. What I didn’t realize was that the business was based on trust. My grandmother’s previous clients didn’t know me, and I had to rebuild the trust that I now have with my own clients. She taught me to focus on ethics and do what is right for the consumer,” says Chris.

Under his leadership, Secaur & Associates has become a successful real estate business in the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Chicago markets. The group also owns and manages a portfolio of 35 apartments in sought-after neighborhoods Prospect Hill, Walnut Hills, Mt. Adams, and downtown Cincinnati.

At the beginning of 2017, Norm Harm joined Secaur & Associates after many years in a travel-heavy career in the service and retail industries. The frequent travel and time away from home helped him decide to become a realtor based in Cincinnati, as he saw the potential of the local market.

Secaur & Associates recently became part of the Keller Williams family, a technology-driven, customer-centric real estate company, to better serve clients. They also look forward to expanding into the downtown Cincinnati market. One facet of their business that remains the same, however, is their long-standing working relationship with Priority Title and PrimeLending.

3505 Columbia Pkwy. #125, Cincinnati, OH 45226, (513) 543-5702, chrissecaur@kw.com, normanharm@kw.com

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 6 7

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RICK McPHERSON

MARISA MURROW

CARRIE McVICKER

KIM NACHAZEL

Re/Max Victory (513) 532-3000 Sibcy Cline (513) 248-0800

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 777-7900 Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

MICHELLE MEENACH

HOLLY L. NALLY

ELA MILDNER-SHAPIRO

BOB NEAL

Star One Realtors (513) 404-2693 Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121

LINDA MILDON

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 237-5251 DANA NELSON

BEN NELTNER

SUSAN MILLER

DGJA G :JA=F

Sibcy Cline (513) 385-3330 SHELLEY MILLER REED

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 JESSICA MILLS

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 226-8473 RON D. MINGES

Star One Realtors (513) 604-1877 TYLER R. MINGES

HUFF Realty (513) 939-3000

CLIFF MONTGOMERY

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 KRISTINE MORGAN

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 677-9777 BRENDAN MORRISSEY

Sibcy Cline (513) 381-3338 ALICIA MOSER

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 NICHOLAS MOTZ

eXp Realty (513) 202-3251

ANGEL MUNAFO-APKING

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700

Star One Realtors (513) 476-0848

KATHY PATTERSON

Premier Properties Real Estate 1230 Belleview Dr., Greendale, IN 47025, (513) 535-2877, PremierPropertiesRE.com

Neltner Realty (859) 816-0228 Sibcy Cline (513) 574-9100 B=JA G :JA=F%DG>?J=F

Sibcy Cline 9979 Montgomery Rd. Montgomery, OH 45242 (513) 266-8568 jobrien.agents.sibcycline.com 9EQ FG=D G ;GFF=DD

Monarch Homes (513) 324-4403

SHERRY A. OBERMEYER

HUFF Realty (513) 644-4833 DEEDEE OLLIS

Re/Max Victory (513) 543-0754 JENNIFER ONEY-HILL

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 REBECCA ORTH

Sibcy Cline (859) 781-4400 BONNIE K. OVERBECK

3B Realty Group (513) 278-7545

J. MIKE PARKER

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

STANLEY C. PARKINSON

HUFF Realty (513) 644-4833

6 8 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

RAUL PULIDO

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 874-8373 ROXANNE QUALLS

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 DOUG RAIS

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 505-9995 CINDY REAGAN-MILLER

AIMEE PELLETIER

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500 JUDY RECKER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 708-1925

HEATHER MILINOVICH

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 200-8925

JACQUELINE L. PATRICK

STEPHANIE PELUSO STEFFEN

Sibcy Cline 2650 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, (513) 617-3172, ssteffen.agents.sibcycline.com DEDE PERSSON

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700 SANDRA L. PETERS

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 300-2518 KRISTEN R. PETERS

HUFF Realty (859) 781-5100 DIANA PFAFF

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 LORI PIKE

Sibcy Cline (513) 360-0110 MAUREEN PIPPIN

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121

JESSICA POWERS

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

MARIANNE POWERS

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 DONNA PRAMPERO

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 368-9364 GINA PRICKEL

Sibcy Cline 9979 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 519-2579 sibcycline.com/gprickel

Sibcy Cline Inc. Realtors 8040 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45236, (513) 793-2121, jrecker.agents.sibcycline.com THOMAS REESE

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 DEB RENTROP

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 519-7876 SYLVIA RICHEY

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 321-9944 KATIE ROBBINS

Keller Williams Realty Services (859) 240-0727 LEE ROBINSON

JgZafkgf Kgl`]Zq k International Realty (513) 842-2225 AMY ROE

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922 LAURA ROHLING

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888 JULIE ROSE

Sibcy Cline (513) 574-9100 SUSAN ROSE

Sibcy Cline (513) 574-9100 STEPHANIE M. ROTH

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 777-7900 SHEILA RUSSELL-WALLING

Sibcy Cline (513) 677-1830

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2020 Real Estate All-Stars

Ryan Kiefer, PrimeLending Is buying, refinancing, or renovating a home in your future? Let me help you achieve your home ownership goals through our simple and hassle-free home loan process.

I am a 22-year veteran of the mortgage business and the Branch Manager for PrimeLending in Greater Cincinnati and the state of Kentucky. I've appeared on Lifetime’s TV show “Designing Spaces” as a home renovation loan expert, as well as “The American Dream TV.” I also have a podcast, Intelligent Equity.

As your local go-to resource, I’ll be by your side delivering personalized service, professional guidance, and timely results on the way to your ideal home loan.

2718 Observatory Ave., Floor 1, Cincinnati, OH 45208, (513) 314-2248, ryankiefer.com

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 6 9

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LORI RYAN

TAMMY SCHROER

JEFF SMITH

GREG L. RYAN

PAMELA SCHUERMAN

ROBERT SMITH

KATHY SANDEL

JUDY A. SCHUERMANN

MARIANNE SPAIN

Sibcy Cline (513) 474-4800

Sibcy Cline (513) 367-1900

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 LAURA SANDERS

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

PRIYA SANGTANI

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 460-9969 KATHY SANTANGELO

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 CARMEN SAYLOR

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 535-4480 ALEX SCHAFERS

Re/Max United Associates (513) 655-2300 DERON G. SCHELL

HUFF Realty (513) 644-4833

KAREN B. SCHERER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 379-9205 KAREN E. SCHERER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500 ROBBIE SCHLAGER

Sibcy Cline (513) 931-7700

Sibcy Cline (859) 781-4400 HUFF Realty (513) 644-4833 MARK SCHUPP

Star One Realtors (513) 543-1477 LAKISHA N. SCRUGGS

HUFF Realty (513) 939-3000

CHRIS SECAUR

Keller Williams Advisors 3505 Columbia Pkwy., #125 Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513) 543-5702 chrissecaur@kw.com JUDIE SEITZ

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 607-8925 ANGIE SEXTON

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 GREG SHARMA

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 252-1408 JASON SHEPPARD

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 313-6991 PATTI SIBCY

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121

BOBBY V. SCHNEIDER

Ken Perry Realty (859) 609-1082

DAVID G. SCHNEIDER

Ken Perry Realty (859) 743-8890

BETH SILBER

Coldwell Banker 2721 Erie Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 317-6042 thesilberlining.com

STACIE SCHOEPLEIN

Star One Realtors (513) 237-9623

DORY SCHRICKEL

ReMax Preferred Group 9313 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, OH 45040, (513) 520-4562, dorys.remax.com

MICHELLE SLOAN

Re/Max Time (513) 600-5277 AARON SMITH

Keller Williams Advisors (859) 360-9997 KATHIE SMITH

Sibcy Cline (513) 385-3330

7 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

Re/Max Victory (513) 659-9645 Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 604-6515 Star One Realtors (513) 873-0577 SALLY SPEARS

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121 LINDSAY SPEARS

Incompass Real Estate Solutions (513) 435-2965 LISA SPEER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 JANELLE SPRANDEL

Comey & Shepherd Realtors 7870 E. Kemper Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45249 (513) 236-9928 soldbytoolgirl.com CINDY STEFFEN

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 TAMMY STEGEMILLER

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888 BRETT STERN

Keller Williams Advisors (513) 885-8226 CATHY STRIEF

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 659-6741 TRACY SUNDERHAUS

Hand In Hand Realty (513) 373-5856 JULIE SWINDELL

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 574-0600 VICKI SYLVESTRE

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 967-0756 DIANE TAFURI

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700 ANDREW TANEN

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121

DONNA ASHMORE-TANSY

Comey & Shepherd Realtors 9857 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242, (513) 8865566, comey.com LORI TAYLOR

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888 CHRIS TEETER

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 229-7774 LARRY THINNES

Sibcy Cline (513) 385-3330

BRIAN THOMAS

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 321-9944 TAMMY THOME

Century 21 Thacker & Associates, Inc. (513) 200-2599 SARAH THORNTON

Sibcy Cline (513) 474-4800 TOM TOBIAS

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 313-5261 DARLENE TODD

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 236-0777 TRACY J. TOMER

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 404-0801 STEVE TRANTER

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 703-6792 BRADLEY S. TREAS

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 JEREL TREAS

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 MELISSA TRENKAMP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500 CARL F. TUKE III

Sibcy Cline (513) 321-9922

DOUGLAS TURNER

JgZafkgf Kgl`]Zq k International Realty (513) 383-0151

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CATHY ULRICH

Star One Realtors (513) 470-9077

BRYSON A. WARNER

KELLY M. WHELAN

KRISTA WILMHOFF

DIANE R. WHITWORTH

TIM WILSON

SUMMER WIEDENBEIN

JOAN WOOD

OTIS WELLBORN

KELI WILLIAMS

Sibcy Cline (513) 677-1830

MIKE WRIGHT

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 874-3300 SUSAN WELSH

LOVITA WILLIAMS

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

JENNIFER L. YOUNG

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 891-8500 ELLEN WESTENDORF

JEFF WILLIAMSON

Ownerland Realty (513) 205-7904

SHAU ZAVON

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 910-7318 JENNA WESTRICK

GAYLE A. WILLIS

Star One Realtors (513) 253-7024

KATIE ZEINNER

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 874-3300 KIM A. WHALEN

ANDY WILLOUGHBY

JOSEPH S. ZEMBRODT

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

CATHY S. VANDERVELDE

HUFF Realty (513) 474-3500 KIM VINCENT

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121 DAN VOGEL

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888 DON VOLLAND

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900 CULLEN WAINSCOTT

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Realty (859) 496-7446 CHRIS R. WAITS

Sibcy Cline (513) 474-4800

MICHAEL R. WALLET

Star One Realtors (513) 266-6714

REBECCA L. WEBER

Huff Realty 334 Beechwood Rd., Suite 200, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017, (859) 468-2544, rebeccaweber.com

Star One Realtors (859) 380-6355

Star One Realtors (513) 910-3405

Sibcy Cline (859) 525-8888

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2121

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 922-9400

Sibcy Cline (513) 793-2700

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 368-9704 Hoeting Realtors (513) 227-8344 Century 21 Premiere Properties (513) 766-0711 Keller Williams Advisors (312) 860-5678 Lohmiller Real Estate (812) 584-1156

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 874-3300

HUFF Realty (859) 525-7900

J + L Home Group J+L Home Group, Re/Max Preferred, is one h_ <bg\bggZmb l ik^fb^k k^Ze ^lmZm^ Z`^g\b^l' Ng]^k ma^ e^Z]^klabi h_ Chg ;hpebg` Zg] EZnkZ ?Zs !C$E" o^m^kZg <bg\bggZmb k^Ze ^lmZm^ Z`^gml Zg] eb_^&ehg` k^lb]^gml ma^ Ã&#x203A;kf has earned a reputation for their market ^qi^kmbl^' P^ [nbem ma^ Z`^g\r bg +)*, mh `nb]^ \eb^gml makhn`a ma^ ahf^&[nrbg` Zg] l^eebg` ikh\^ll bg Z g^p pZr% lZrl ;hpebg`' Ma^ `khni ^f[kZ\^l ma^ eZm^lm m^\agheh`r Zg] Ziieb^l fh]^kg fZkd^mbg` mh \hgg^\m pbma [nr^kl _Zk [^rhg] mkZ]bmbhgZe mZ\mb\l' Lbq Z`^gml Zg] `khpbg`% ma^ m^Zf l \hee^\mbo^ ^qi^kmbl^ liZgl fZkd^m bgm^eeb`^g\^% ikb\bg`% [nrbg`% l^eebg`% Zg] bg& ahnl^ lmZ`bg`' ?Zs ghm^l% Ma^ oZen^&Z]]^] l^kob\^l Zk^ paZm hnk \eb^gml Ziik^\bZm^ ma^ fhlm Zg] ^gZ[e^ nl mh ]^ebo^k ^q\^imbhgZe k^lneml gh fZmm^k ma^ fZkd^m \hg]bmbhg' 2,*, FZlhg Fhgm`hf^kr K]'% Lnbm^ *+)% FZlhg% HA -.)-)% !.*," ,22&0101% ceahf^`khni'\hf

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 7 1

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AMY ZIMMERMAN-LONGSHORE

Re/Max Affiliates (859) 372-6000 TEAMS

ALLRED WOMACKS GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 317-7869 ANI VEJDANI GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 501-5475 BARBARA BROWNING

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 300-7990 BRAD STRUNK TEAM

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 532-9229 THE BUCKLEY TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 708-3512 BUILD COLLECTIVE

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 260-0424

THE CAGNEY FAMILY

DOUG SPITZ DWELL 513

THE GIFFORD TEAM

CANNING TEAM

DRAZNIK GROUP

THE HERR TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 616-0409

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 708-7770

CAROL HARRIS, KELLY PEAR & REBECCA MESSENGER

DREW & INGRID

HEWALD AND RILEY TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 319-7312 Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 703-5430

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 503-8498

CHASE & PAMELA PARTNERS

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 979-1990

THE CHRISTY JONES TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 226-7799

THE COURTNE BRASS TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 314-9447 DEDE & JENS TEAM

Sibcy Cline (513) 226-4737 DIGS GROUP

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 533-3447

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 616-3798

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 240-1043 DUFFY TEAM

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 317-1000

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 987-1111

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 310-5828

HOETING WISSEL & DATTILO TEAM

Hoeting Realtors (513) 256-6934

J+L HOME GROUP, JON BOWLING AND LAURA FAZ

THE DWELL WELL GROUP - MICHELE MAMO

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 512-7772 THE FINN TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 702-4090 THE GAMEL TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 322-5622 GERBUS AKELEY GROUP

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 535-2103

RE/MAX Preferred Group, 9313 Mason Montgomery Rd., Suite 120, Mason, OH 45040, (513) 325-2171, jlhomegroup.com JE TEAM

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 535-5911 THE JANELL STUCKWISCH GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 992-1602

Move2Cincinnati, Keller Williams Pinnacle Group Ellie Kowalchik leads the Move2Cincinnati team with her 20-plus years of real estate experience and a specialization in digital marketing, utilizing the most innovative technologies available to promote listings and match buyers with available homes for sale.

The full-service team has a clear understanding of the mindset of home buyers and sellers and in-depth knowledge of the regional housing market. They employ a multi-faceted approach to skillfully and compassionately guide clients through every step of even the most complex real estate transactions.

6377 Branch Hill-Guinea Pike, Loveland, OH 45140, (513) 697-7355, Move2Cincinnati.com

7 2 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE JASON BOWMAN TEAM

Re/Max Elite (513) 766-0647

JEANNE RIEDER TEAM

Hoeting Realtors (513) 253-3992

THE JULIA WESSELKAMPER GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 720-4496

KEVIN HILDEBRAND TEAM

LYNN SCHWARBER TEAM

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 307-1728 MEGAN STACEY GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell 2721 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 702-8886 meganstaceygroup.com MICHAEL HINCKLEY & ASSOCIATES

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 677-5333

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 608-1886

THE LEANN STARKS TEAM

MIKE SPICER

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 659-0022

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 250-6657

THE LEISGANG GROUP

MOLLY EYNON & SARA LIMPER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 519-7200 LISA PHAIR & ASSOCIATES

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 604-9151

LIVE AND PLAY CINCINNATI

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 623-7756

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 544-2231 MOVE2CINCINNATI

Keller Williams Pinnacle Group 6377 Branch Hill-Guinea Pike Loveland, OH 45140 (513) 697-7355 move2cincinnati.com

NORRIS GROUP

QUIGLEY TEAM

OGLE ANNETT

THE RAKESH RAM GROUP

OYLER GROUP

THE RIES TEAM-MARYANN AND STEVE RIES

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 479-2411

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 615-4798

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 703-4858

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 608-1199

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 623-1351

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 470-0564

PARKER RICH GROUP

THE RILEY GIRDLER TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 886-2103

Sibcy Cline (513) 324-5563

PEEBLES GROUP

ROB FELDMAN

eXp Realty (937) 572-7111

Coldwell Banker West Shell (859) 250-3859

PITZER GROUP

RON AND ANNA BISHER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 225-3069

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 708-7968

POONAM BHARDWAJ GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 225-3666

SANREGRET TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 259-3001

THE PREFERRED OHIO SALES TEAM

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 759-0100

SKYLINE PROPERTIES GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 325-8547

Jeri Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;BrienLofgren, Sibcy Cline I have enjoyed 28 amazing years as a realtor with Sibcy Cline, and I am honored to be designated as a Cincinnati Magazine Real Estate All-Star!

Hard work, experience, and dedication have been the foundation of my success. Devotion to my clients has given me their continued support and the respect of my peers.

Whether buying or selling, my knowledge of the market, dedication to my clients, and attention to detail are key to exceeding your expectations. Thank you Cincinnati Magazine!

9979 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, OH 45242, (513) 266-8568, jobrien.agents.sibcycline.com

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 7 3

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SOLDBUYSTONE

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 404-8954 SOUTHERN OHIO PROPERTIES

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 502-9065

SPOUSES WHO SELL HOUSES - SCOTT & JILL FERGUSON

Keller Williams Associate Partners (937) 231-6966 STEVE SYLVESTER & ASSOCIATES

Comey & Shepherd Realtors (513) 675-2560 TEAM FC C21

Century 21 (513) 524-0606 TEAM HOELZER

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 839-5595 TEAM MARKOWSKI

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 805-8406

TEAM MORALES

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 218-0687 TEAM SYNERGI

eXp Realty (513) 400-1691

THE TOM DEUTSCH JR. TEAM

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 460-5302 TOM STURM GROUP

Coldwell Banker West Shell (513) 470-8785

THE ZIMMER GROUP

Keller Williams Advisors Realty 3505 Columbia Pkwy., Cincinnati, OH 45226, (513) 400-5959, zimmergroup.com MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS STEF ADAMS

Option Financial, LLC (859) 344-6000 SIMON AMOR

JOHNATHAN BARBER

Equity Resources, Inc. (513) 518-6318 DOUG BARNACLO

CenterBank (513) 786-8507

SANDEE BARRETT

Union Savings Bank (513) 759-1200 JOSEPH A. BIANCO JR.

Eagle Savings Bank (513) 233-7166

Keller Williams Seven Hills Realty (513) 549-7469

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (513) 833-1973

BRENDA BINGAMAN

TYLER MINGES GROUP

TRAVIS ARD

HUFF Realty (513) 939-3000

CenterBank (513) 965-6932

BRETT BISCHOFF

THE TYLER SMITH GROUP

TONY AUTULLO

Re/Max Preferred Group (513) 229-7774

AnnieMac Home Mortgage (513) 769-2071

THE WEEKS GROUP

BRAD BAKER

THE TYE GROUP

Keller Williams Associate Partners (513) 580-8326

The Megan Stacey Group, Coldwell Banker West Shell At the Megan Stacey Group, we consider you family and we want you to have an incredible, positive, successful experience. You and your family mean more to us than any sale, which is why we treat you with the greatest empathy, honesty, and care.

Our mission is to ensure smooth, seamless coordination of a complicated and emotional process by going above and beyond. We are dedicated to higher standards, problem solving, industry knowledge, responsiveness, and thoroughness.

You can rely on us to be Your Dedicated Real >lmZm^ <hglnemZgml' MaZm l bfihkmZgm [^\Znl^ ma^ rapid pace of this market can cause people to make impulsive moves. Our expert consultations will ensure you make smart moves for your family and future.

2721 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, (513) 702-8886, meganstaceygroup.com

7 4 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

Caliber Home Loans, Inc. (513) 313-7233

Union Savings Bank (513) 247-0300 Civista Bank (812) 576-5069 MIKE BODKIN

Cincinnati Federal (513) 347-2423 D.J. BOSSE

Family Home Financial, LLC (513) 381-5626

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GEOFF BOSTICK

TODD BURROUGHS

TIMOTHY CRAFT

GINA DOWNS

SHARON BRADY

KYLE CABEZAS

MIKE CREECH

REBECCA ENDRES

KATHIE BRAHANEY

CAMERON CAHILL

PORTIA D. DAVIS

DICK ENGLE

SHEILA BRAUN

AMANDA CASTRO AYALA

AARON DENTON

JIM EPIFANIO

ADAM BREWER

ELIZABETH CHAPMAN

DAMON DIBARI

RON ERDMANM

ADAM BROWN

BONNIE COLLINS

ROBERT DIEDERICHSEN III

TODD EVANS

SUSAN BUEHLER

STEVE COOK

ANDY DIPUCCIO

DAN FARRELL

MICHAEL BURROUGHS

JOHN CORNETT

ANDY DOWDY

EMILY FARTHING

Guaranteed Rate, Inc. (513) 258-2515 WesBanco Bank, Inc. (513) 901-7218 Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC (513) 975-4723 Union Home Mortgage Corp.

(513) 234-4989 Rapid Mortgage Company (513) 769-2043 Planet Home Lending, LLC (859) 912-9800 Dearborn Savings Bank (812) 537-0940 Mortgage House of America (513) 794-7812

Mortgage House of America (513) 794-7816 Rapid Mortgage Company (513) 769-2064 1st National Bank (513) 310-7121

AnnieMac Home Mortgage (773) 791-6103 Union Savings Bank (513) 842-9000

First Financial Bank (513) 867-4746 Wells Fargo (513) 443-2034 Union Savings Bank (513) 247-0300

Fifth Third Bank (513) 247-1246

Union Savings Bank (513) 842-4593

Peoples Bank (513) 792-8820

PrimeLending (513) 698-8013

First Financial Bank (513) 728-2225

Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc. (513) 266-3160

Summit Funding, Inc. (513) 322-1440

American Mortgage Service Company (859) 898-2625

Sibcy Cline Mortgage Services, Inc. (513) 448-5552 PrimeLending (513) 847-0326

Caliber Home Loans, Inc. (859) 519-6068 NRL Mortgage (513) 592-3828

Guaranteed Rate, Inc. (513) 609-4484 Union Savings Bank (859) 816-2199 Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc. (513) 607-5769 NVR Mortgage Finance, Inc. (513) 714-5600

Beth Silber, Coldwell Banker Let your home search or sale have a Silber Lining! While combining my passion for real estate with business, I work one-on-one with my clients for a seamless transaction experience. My genuine desire is to see your property goals come true.

I have been ranked the third individual agent within my company for 2018 and 2019, and I rank in the top one percent of all Coldwell Banker agents nationwide. As I partner with you, as your trusted advisor, I strive to create a positive, professional, as well as fun and enjoyable, experience for my buyers and sellers. Whether you are searching for the perfect home or selling your current home, my goal is to exceed your expectations and make the process easy, as well as negotiate the best ihllb[e^ Ã&#x203A;gZg\bZe k^lnem' 2721 Erie Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208, (513) 317-6042, thesilberlining.com

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 7 5

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TIM FELLER

ASHOK GHILDYAL

SUSAN FIELDS

TOM GLOVER

Thrive Mortgage (513) 377-0579 Heritage Financial Group, LLC (859) 342-0800 SHAWN FRENCH

NMLS #59902 Chemical Bank, a Division of TCF National Bank 8745 Union Centre Blvd., West Chester, OH 45069, (513) 460-7697, chemicalbank.com/shawnfrench JEFF FRIES

Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC (513) 975-4722 CAROL FRIESZ

Union Home Mortgage Corp.

(513) 297-6210 RALPH GAMBERDELLA

Summit Funding, Inc. (937) 271-5652

PrimeLending (513) 847-0327

Guaranteed Rate, Inc. (513) 301-0329 MELANIE GOULD

RiverHills Bank (513) 702-5830 GALE GRANT

Caliber Home Loans, Inc. (859) 802-4903 JIM GUTHERY

Rapid Mortgage Company (513) 620-1064 STEFANIE HALPIN

Maxelle Mortgage (513) 979-4100 MARK HAMAD

Union Savings Bank (513) 232-9000 MIKE HARRISON

Union Savings Bank (513) 833-2889

Janelle Sprandel, Comey & Shepherd Realtors Sold By Tool Girl is more than just a slogan. For buyers and sellers who are looking for more than a transactional approach to real estate, I am the perfect solution provider. Prior to becoming an agent in 2007, I worked in tool sales, rental, and construction for more than 13 years.

B aZo^ nmbebs^] maZm dghpe^]`^ mh Zllblm Ûklm&mbf^ Zg] ÛgZe&mbf^ l^ee^kl% [nr^kl% Zg] ^o^krhg^ bg between. I provide before-, during-, and aftersale advice and resources to my clients. My support, as well as that of my contacts, will help clients successfully navigate one of the largest ÛgZg\bZe ]^\blbhgl h_ ma^bk eb_^' B aZo^ nl^] ^Z\a electrician, carpenter, carpet cleaner, etc. in my _Zfber l ahf^% hnk bgo^lmf^gm ikhi^kmb^l% Zg] countless times with clients. The Right Agent, The Right Tools 7870 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45249, (513) 236-9928, soldbytoolgirl.com

7 6 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

JESSICA HART

Envoy Mortgage, LTD (513) 685-9046

CRAIG HUNTER

Regions Bank (513) 317-7393

PAUL HELLMAN

NMLS #728154 Chemical Bank, a Division of TCF National Bank 7373 Beechmont Ave., Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45230, (513) 314-8370, chemicalbank.com/paulhellman DAVE T. HERBERGER

PNC Bank (513) 646-9181

WILLIAM C. HOWARD

PNC Bank (513) 346-3613

KATHY HUDSON

Aurgroup Financial Credit Union (513) 678-9506 HEATHER HUMMEL

Hogan Financial Services, Inc. (513) 697-8700

SHAWN HUSS

NMLS #709723 Chemical Bank, a Division of TCF National Bank 7373 Beechmont Ave., Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45230, (513) 624-3030, shawnhuss.com JOHN INSCO

Amerifirst Home Mortgage (513) 702-9249 TIM JENKINS

Cincinnati Federal (513) 347-2420 PAT KEMPER

NRL Mortgage (812) 496-5733 NICK KENNARD

NRL Mortgage (513) 592-3835

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ANGELA KESSEL

Union Savings Bank (513) 745-2724 RYAN KIEFER

PrimeLending 2718 Observatory Ave., Floor 1 Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 314-2248 ryankiefer.com

MINDY LAKES

Envoy Mortgage, LTD (513) 367-1800 KATHY LAMB

Envoy Mortgage, LTD (513) 310-3301 DANIEL LANZILLOTTA

AmeriGO Home Lending, LLC (513) 652-0649 KATHIE J. LAWYER

KEN MEYERS

STEVE LOECHTENFELDT

AmeriFirst Home Mortgage 7631 Cheviot Rd., Suite 2A Cincinnati, OH 45247 (513) 615-5484 amerifirst.com

JASON MOORE

Fifth Third Bank (513) 443-5186 JOSEPH V. KOESTER

JUSTINE LEISRING

SUE MANCINI

First Financial Bank (513) 832-6412

The Huntington National Bank (513) 824-3080

BRIAN LENNERTZ

KEVIN MCBRIDE

R.J. KOLODZIEJSKI

Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC (513) 858-7066 ANN LAFFERTY

PrimeLending (513) 478-7430

Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (513) 608-7270 DANIEL LENNERTZ

Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (513) 706-0873

Sibcy Cline Mortgage Services, Inc. (513) 226-7700 Union Home Mortgage Corp.

(216) 230-6825

Union Savings Bank (513) 544-3117 ROBERT MAHAFFEY

Eagle Savings Bank (513) 233-7182

SHERRI MILLER

KAT MILLER

JEFFREY LUKEN

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (513) 367-6344

MEGAN KING

Option Financial, LLC (513) 328-1341

Sibcy Cline Mortgage Services, Inc. (717) 943-0139

3rd Street Financial Corp.

(513) 769-4111

BRANDON MORYL

ERIC MURPHY

Guardian Savings Bank (859) 380-4681

Cincinnati Federal (513) 347-5150

DEBBIE NARDELLI

TINA MCCANDLESS

Finance of America Mortgage LLC (859) 391-1514 MICHAEL MEYER

Option Financial, LLC (513) 598-5900

Guardian Savings Bank (513) 842-8900 DANIELLE NEWMAN KOONTZ

Bayshore Mortgage Funding (513) 403-1283

Union Savings Bank (513) 254-5419

T R Wise, Warsaw Federal Savings and Loan With more than 20 years of mortgage lending experience, I can help you achieve your Û gZg\bZe `hZel pa^g ink\aZlbg` Z ahf^ [r h__^kbg` Zg ZkkZr h_ fhkm`Z`^ ehZgl mh Û m your needs. :m PZklZp ?^]^kZe p^ h__^k3 • Competitive rates • Local processing and decision-making • Quick and easy service TR Wise NMLS# 132687 Vice President of Mortgage Lending PZklZp ?^]^kZe LZobg`l EhZg :llh\bZmbhg 7800 E. Kemper Rd., Suite 140 Cincinnati, OH 45249 <^ee3 !.*," +,1&)222 >fZbe3 mkpbl^9pZklZp_^]^kZe'\hf MEMBER FDIC

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 7 7

BILL NUTT

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Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC (513) 975-4728 NRL Mortgage (859) 534-1901

American Mortgage Service Company (859) 291-5626 :J=FL GKC=Q

Thrive Mortgage (513) 907-1065 ;9F<A;= GN=J:=;C

American Mortgage Service Company (513) 452-4126 JG: GN=J:=;C

Front Row Mortgage (513) 484-3997 BOB PAOLA

Valley Central Bank (513) 868-5357

Guaranteed Rate, Inc. (859) 287-3639 Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc. (513) 382-4319 VanDyk Mortgage Corporation (859) 620-0914

The Huntington National Bank (859) 342-2507 Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (513) 909-3009 WesBanco Bank, Inc. (513) 901-7039 U.S. Bank (513) 766-8012

Envoy Mortgage, LTD (513) 367-1800

1st National Bank (513) 228-6001 E9JQ JG:AFKGF

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Union Savings Bank (513) 759-1200

Third Federal Savings (513) 458-2300 JA;C JM=@DE9FF

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AnnieMac Home Mortgage (513) 769-2038

Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC (513) 975-4726 <GF JG:=JLK

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Rapid Mortgage Company (513) 769-2032

PrimeLending (513) 847-0325

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KeyBank (513) 235-4736

Peoples Bank (513) 505-8180

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AurGroup Financial Credit Union (513) 612-7825

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Matinée Musicale CINCINNATI’S ORIGINAL CLASSICAL SOLO RECITAL SERIES!

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Memorial Hall, OTR

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Photo: Devon Cass

SOPRANO

VIOLIN

• Winner of the 2005 BBC Singer of the World Competition

• Made her Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra debut at age 9 in 2012

• Has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Cincinnati Opera – in 2019 was Juliet in Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet

• 2019 National YoungArts Winner

• International performances include roles as Violetta in La Traviata (Royal Opera House, Covent Garden) and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni (Oper Köln and the Deutsche Oper, Berlin) • Her critically acclaimed solo debut album Soprano, named “Editor’s Choice” by Gramophone, received prestigious awards

“Cabell’s tone is liquid gold.”

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“Cabell is now one of the most exciting lyric sopranos to grace the world’s concert halls.”

• Prize winner, and youngest competitor, 2017 Cooper International Violin Competition; first prize Matinée Musicale 2018 Nancy F. Walker Memorial Scholarship Competition • Twice appeared on National Public Radio’s From the Top

“It is a joy to watch her artistry, technique and maturity blossoming, to feel her musicality and sense of style strengthening year after year. I am eager to hear Christina again and look forward to attending her recital at Memorial Hall.”

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IN SCIENCE LIVES HOPE. With compassion, our nurses advance healing and reduce suffering every day.

With courage, they never give up — especially during a crisis — because every person is worth fighting for.

On this day and every day, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to each of our more than 2,300 nurses at UC Health.

Discover more at uchealth.com/nursing

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Congratulations TO OUR 2020 RECIPIENTS

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A LETTER FROM THE DEAN

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI COLLEGE OF NURSING

To honor the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, 2020 was designated by the World Health Organization as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife.” So much progress in health care can be attributed to Nightingale’s efforts, from establishing nursing education and evidence-based practice to influencing hospital designs and improving public health.

Since those days, our roles have gradually shifted to adjust to different realities in health care. In an era of increasing health inequities, nurses have the potential to make a dramatic difference by returning to Nightingale’s legacy with a focus on public health, prevention, and social determinants of health, directly influencing the wellbeing of patients where they live, work, and play.

Despite all nurses have conquered, the upcoming years will bring challenges—we have yet to find a sustainable solution to the nursing shortage, the “silver tsunami” will demand innovative forms of care delivery, and addressing health inequities will require a multifaceted, multi-sector approach. The hurdles nursing faces offer us unprecedented opportunities to shape health care delivery and increase our influence everywhere along the care continuum.

Congratulations to this year’s Florence Nightingale Awards recipients for raising the bar for our profession and making a difference in people’s lives by improving care in our region.

Greer Glazer, PhD, RN, CNP, FAAN Dean, University of Cincinnati College of Nursing Associate Vice President for Health Affairs

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Health Care for the Universe of You At Mercy Health, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the compassionate care you need to stay healthy and strong for those who love and need you. Learn more at

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NURSING THEN AND NOW

As the World Health Organization designates 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, nursing looks far into the future.

W

hile the Florence Nightingale Awards for Nursing Excellence have been held for the last 27 years to recognize, honor, and celebrate the nursing talent in the Greater Cincinnati region, this year’s awards are uniquely auspicious: The World Health Organization has designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, in honor of 200 years of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Nurses have, in their history as a recognized profession, made incalculable contributions to healthcare around the world. Their presence in hospitals, clinics, schools, and indeed on battlefields, has set a new standard of professionalism as they have advocated for and provided expert care and education, led research, perfected protocols from the ground up, and improved health outcomes for patients. They are often the first face patients see when they enter a healthcare setting and their last wave out the door as they return home.

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According to the WHO, “Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services. These are the people who devote their lives to caring for mothers and children; giving lifesaving immunizations and health advice; looking after older people and generally meeting everyday essential health needs. They are often the first and only point of care in their communities.”

When Florence Nightingale founded modern nursing and brought its importance to light during her work in 19th century theaters of war, she forever altered the landscape of healthcare and literally placed nurses at the front lines of that field. But the WHO doesn’t just seek to draw praise and attention to this deserving profession; it also hopes to identify and address an emerging challenge, with global implications. As the world’s population increases, healthcare professionals in the field need to increase along with it. In short, there are simply not enough nurses working today or training for the future. The WHO estimates that “the world needs nine million more nurses and midwives if it is to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.” If we think about the world before nurses—before their myriad contributions were embedded in the patient care experience—then we must recognize the urgency of this shortage.

We take the opportunity with the 2020 Florence Nightingale Awards, in the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, to drive home this important message: Nurses make the world better. People are healthier, safer, and happier for the work done by these extraordinary professionals.

Photograph by zinkevych / stock.adobe.com

BY AMY BROWNLEE

St. Elizabeth Congratulates Our Florence Nightingale Award Recipient and Nominees.

Florence Nightingale Excellence in Nursing recipient Leslie Life nominees Kristin Bates Christa Dyer-Wilson Jocelyn Laake Heather Bauer Sandra Eiben Megan Lockwood Tonya Beecher Sara Ingoglia Patricia Meier Jean Bohl Angela Jump Rachael Meier Teresa Borders Niki Kallmeyer Kate Moser Melissa Donahue Lisa King Jonathan Mullins Julie Donoghue Amy Kremer

Candy Riegler Jessie Shell Erin Shields Kim Sweeney Leigh Tekulve Jennifer Yost

team nominees St. Elizabeth Wound Care

for always being right here for our patients and community.

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MEET THE 2020 FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARD RECIPIENTS Six professionals, plus one team of professionals, who embody excellence and leadership in the nursing profession.

Selected from over 120 nominations, this year’s Florence Nightingale Awards for Nursing Excellence recipients include six extraordinary individuals and one dynamic team that demonstrate the great nursing talent in the Greater Cincinnati region. The diverse educational and clinical backgrounds of these recipients show that leadership and excellence are found in all settings and job paths. These professionals combine intelligence, critical thinking, and compassion, working tirelessly to provide exceptional care and advance the field of nursing.

LAURA ALEXOFF, RN, BSN HOSPICE OF CINCINNATI

Laura Alexoff

Hospice care is a uniquely challenging approach to nursing. But through Laura Alexoff ’s insightful and tireless work with Hospice of Cincinnati as a home care nurse, she has earned the trust of families as they experience the pain and grief of losing a loved one. “Laura is known to take the difficult cases of patients and their families who have some denial and misunderstanding of hospice,” says one colleague’s nomination statement. “They are often angry and tough to face. Laura takes these challenges with much patience and kindness to slowly build trust.” Alexoff feels called to hospice care: “Community nursing speaks to me,” she says. “It can be challenging, but the relationships and outcomes give back and sustain me.” Alexoff in turn gives patients and their loved ones the priceless gift of solace and comfort, says one statement, “transforming the physical, psychological, and emotional journey from one of anxiety and fear to one of contentment and understanding.”

“It can be challenging, but the relationships and outcomes give back and sustain me.” —LAURA ALEXOFF

8 8 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

200 Years of Leadership and Innovation.

And Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Just Getting Started.

200 years after the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing is honored to recognize the outstanding nursing talent in the region. Congratulations to the recipients and nominees of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florence Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing.

BSN | RN to BSN | Accelerated MSN | MSN |

UC Nurses. We See Leaders. | DNP | PhD

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JEROME JAMES, CRNA CINCINNATI VA MEDICAL CENTER

Jerome James

Jerome “Jerry” James has been a fixture in the local anesthesia community for nearly 40 years as an outstanding Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). “He perceives his patients in whole,” says one colleague, “showing sincere respect for their diversity.” The statement compares James to Florence Nightingale herself, a civilian nurse with a “single lamp lit in the darkness,” assisting men and women who have experienced war. James has personally helped ease the suffering of thousands of service personnel from World War II to Operation New Dawn (OND). Says the statement: “His way of caring rekindles the spirit of what nursing is all about— a light of compassion for the humanity we serve.” James doesn’t just care for his patients; he likes them too. “I really enjoy taking care of vets, having an opportunity to serve them back,” he says. “They’re the most appreciative patients I’ve ever been around.”

Leading, advocating & collaborating to improve child health, here and around the world.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2020 FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARDEES

www.cincinnatichildrens.org

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STACY JONES, RN, BSN MERCY HEALTH-FAIRFIELD HOSPITAL

Stacy Jones

In her work as a pre-op nurse at Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital, Stacy Jones often sees patients who are feeling nervous, vulnerable, and scared. But she takes these challenges in stride, offering a steady hand and a calm voice to help them prepare themselves physically and emotionally for their procedure. Says a colleague in her nomination statement: “Stacy has a quiet confidence that draws people in and provides much needed relief for patients who are frightened to have surgery.”

And her kindness and skill doesn’t stop in the operating room. Jones is known to go out of her way to devise innovative solutions for patients recovering from surgery, such as hand-stitching a “Port Pillow” for a patient whose car seat belt was creating discomfort. “I was taught to live a life to serve others in any way you can,” says Jones. “And I feel blessed to be able to do this as a living.”

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MEGHAN DUFFIELD-JOHNSON, CRNA, MSN RESOURCE ANESTHESIA

Meghan Duffi eld-Johnson

As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Resource Anesthesia in Hillsboro, Ohio, Meghan Duffield-Johnson works with a patient population in the grip of an opioid epidemic. Says one colleague, “Stigma surrounding those suffering from opioid use disorder and substance use disorder is high. Meghan models respect for these patients every day in her clinical practice, and she has been a role model to nurses who have adopted her actions.” Through extensive work in her community to build solutions to end opioid addiction—including educating providers in hospitals on opioid use disorder, medicationassisted therapies, screening, and referral options—Duffield-Johnson has shown leadership as well as compassion and skill, taking dynamic action above and beyond daily clinical care in response to a growing public health crisis. But she’s a CRNA first: “I often tell my patients, I am their eyes, ears, and protector while they are under anesthesia,” says Duffield-Johnson. “That is a huge responsibility and one I do not take lightly.”

DEB JUMP, RN, BSN, CEN, EMT-P UC HEALTH AIR CARE & MOBILE CARE

Deb Jump

Critical care providers must balance competing skill sets: They must remain calm in the direst of emergencies. They must be empathetic while safeguarding their own emotional health. And then they must do it all again the next day. Deb Jump does all of this and more in her work with UC Health Air Care & Mobile Care. “If we‘re critically ill one day, we all hope that those caring for us will treat us like family,” explains one nominating statement, which gives a poignant account of Jump’s dedication. “Deb Jump has fully reached that ideal every single day of her career as an emergency nurse and Air Care flight nurse.”

Deb is cool under pressure, to be sure. But, says her colleague, she also “allows herself to feel nearly the full magnitude of emotion of every patient and family. No one I’ve ever worked with is more likely to laugh, to cry, to smile, to hug, to hold a hand, or to cry again.”

“We all hope that those caring for us will treat us like family.”

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LESLIE LIFE, RN, BSN ST. ELIZABETH HEALTH CARE

Leslie Life

The Labor and Delivery team at St. Elizabeth Health Care has a nickname for Leslie Life: Mama Leslie. That’s because as charge nurse, Life has proven herself time and again as a compassionate, dedicated, and seemingly indestructible leader who advocates fiercely for every patient and staff member. Says one colleague in a nominating statement: “She is gifted with insight, and uses her knowledge of the nurses’ strengths and weaknesses to advise us and suggest ways to enhance the care we provide.” Those gifts touch patients and team members alike: “She is the one you want behind (or in front of ) you when your patient is about to deliver and no doctor is in sight, or running to respond to your SOS because a baby is stuck or not breathing.” Says Life: “I believe that God placed me in a profession that utilizes all of my natural talents to help others, give comfort, celebrate joys, and be part of a profession that serves.”

UC HEALTH AIR CARE & MOBILE CARE, LED BY JULIE SHAW

UC Health Air Care & Mobile Care

The UC Health Air Care & Mobile Care (ACMC) team aspires to be “the world leader in transport medicine” and has in turn recruited a world-class team of professionals to fulfill the mission and deliver first-rate care to anybody, anywhere, for any reason. Says a colleague in a nominating statement: “Maintaining the clinical preparedness and alacrity to handle any of these challenges at a moment’s notice requires a monstrous work ethic—and each of our amazing ACMC nurses has exactly that.” The UC Health ACMC team lead their field in innovation (such as becoming one of the first programs in the world to fly with plasma in 2013), and their depth and breadth of skill is unequaled in the region. As program Leader Julie Shaw notes, “this award is truly a special way to celebrate our accomplishments as we also celebrate the 35th anniversary of UC Health’s Air Care & Mobile Care serving Greater Cincinnati this year.”

“To handle any of these challenges at a moment’s notice requires a monstrous work ethic.”

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 9 3

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The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing relies on the generosity of our alumni and friends to continue educating and honoring outstanding nurses.

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9 4 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

GUIDE TO THE GALAXY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

55

have the place designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1998, they formed the nonprofit Cincinnati Observatory Center.

The reinvented observatory shifted from an obsolete research facility under lightpolluted skies to a highly relevant mission focused on education, says Craig Niemi, executive director since 2008.

The new mission created the need for an outreach educator, says Ventre, a board member and full-time volunteer at the time.

The board considered hiring a PhD astronomer, but Ventre believed a teacher from the planetarium model—entertainer first, edu-

cator. “I got a phone book and called every school in Hamilton County, Northern Kentucky, Clermont County, you name it,” he recalls. “I told them,‘I’m Dean and I have a free astronomy program for you.’ ” School officials responded with hesitation, but Regas pressed on. “I’ve never been stopped by rejection,” he says.

Regas relied on his teaching background and handmade props for his classroom gigs.

“I had a poster I made myself of Orion that I would unroll,” he says. “That would be my visual aid.” He still uses the moon model he created out of a soccer ball.

AS THE OBSERVATORY LAUNCHED A fund-raising campaign and a major renovation of the buildings in the early 2000s, board members determined they needed a face to sell the place to the public. Regas quickly emerged as the best candidate.

Soon, the accidental astronomer began navigating a very intentional path toward becoming Cincinnati’s Guide to the Galaxy.

“DEAN IS VERY INTO HIS WORK. IT’S JUST IN THE FABRIC OF WHO HE IS. HE’S KIND OF QUIET, AND OBVIOUSLY VERY SMART. HE’S THE COOLEST OF THE NERDY PEOPLE I KNOW. ” cator second—would be the best person to “excite the kids.” He saw a newspaper article on Regas and his planetarium experience at Burnet Woods, and knew he’d found what he was looking for. “He had charisma, a way of telling a story,” Ventre says.

Regas initially felt unsure of astronomy as a career path. His perspective changed when he went through Ventre’s volunteer training. “They had an unbelievable philosophy,” says Regas. “It was like, We have this telescope, and the philosophy was, Yeah, go ahead and move it. I was frightened. I thought, Are you crazy?

This thing should be in a museum. They were like, Move it.” Regas enthusiastically embraced the approach, though he says he often woke up in the middle of the night following panicky nightmares that he’d broken an antique telescope.

By 2000 Regas had become the new nonprofit’s first full-time outreach edu-

Greg Hand, longtime public relations administrator for the University of Cincinnati, trained Regas to make lists of upcoming astronomical events—from meteor showers to eclipses—and then call the news media to do interviews. At first, the media spots came sporadically. Then, in 2003, Mars moved within 34.6 million miles of Earth, bringing the best views of the red planet in 60,000 years and a prime opportunity for Regas and the observatory.

“Everybody wanted to see Mars,” he says.

“We tapped into that, and stuff took off here.” Observatory program participation soared from 1,500 in 1999 to more than 13,000 in 2003.

Regas proved adept at packaging the skies for public consumption. The Mars phenomenon inspired a Planet Day series, featuring programming on whatever planet was most visible at the time. “It was one of those things that got people’s attention,”

Regas says. “They were like, Jupiter, I know what that is. I want to see that.” In 2008, the observatory passed 20,000 participants in combined on- and off-site programming.

A record of more than 37,000 participants and 965 programs were hosted in 2019, which Regas credits to a combination of public excitement about the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and a yearlong campaign that sent him, volunteers, and telescopes to all 52 Cincinnati neighborhoods—from Avondale to Winton Hills—within 52 weeks.

Regas expanded his reach to national audiences through the PBS series Star Gazers. After the show’s longtime host, Jack Horkheimer, died in 2010, Regas applied to be his replacement. Producers invited him to do guest host appearances, then named him one of three permanent hosts for the one- and five-minute- segments.

When the third person dropped out, Regas and James Albury, a planetarium manager in Florida, cohosted, offering sky-watching tips amid cheesy graphics of the duo flying through space on hoverboards and sitting on the rings of Saturn.

Regas’s love for comedy, which he says could have been his calling if he hadn’t found the stars, influenced show topics.

For instance, he pushed producers to try “The Long-Awaited Moon Joke Episode” in which he shared lunar one-liners. (Regas moon joke: What holds up the moon?

Moon beams, of course.) Jokes aside, Albury sees himself as more comedy oriented than his cohost. “I was a little more silly on stage than he was,” Albury says. “He wasn’t rigid and solid and no fun. He would cut jokes. . .. But he was the straight man.”

Meanwhile, Regas’s reputation as an astronomy expert got another boost when an editor from Adams Media called to ask him to write a book. He published Facts from Space, based on questions he’d heard during his observatory presentations, in 2016. He followed with 100 Things to See in the Night Sky and 100 Things to See in the Southern Night Sky. In 2017, Cincinnati Public Radio producer Kevin Reynolds tapped Regas to host the Looking Up podcast, hoping to snap up Cincinnati’s bestknown stargazer before someone else did.

Though Regas suggested a meteorologist as cohost, Reynolds convinced him that M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 9 5

GUIDE TO THE GALAXY an “every person” partner would provide a better counter to his science expertise.

That’s when Regas thought of his observatory coworker, Anna Hehman, and their friendly office banter.

“We’re yin and yang,” Hehman recalls during at an interview preceding a recording session at WVXU. “Sometimes I see it like siblings’ back-and-forth. I bug him a little bit. He explains things. He really comes alive when he’s doing that.” Over two-plus years and more than 60 episodes, Regas and Hehman have interviewed everyone from NASA astronaut Scott Kelly to Brian “Birdstuff” Teasley from the obscure 1990s band Man or Astro Man? to Paul Zaloom, who portrayed Beakman in the ’90s kids’ show Beakman’s World.

Any list of memorable podcast interviews also has to include the 2018 episode when Star Trek legend William Shatner challenged Regas to explain space-time.

Shatner dismissed Regas’s first attempt as “completely confusing” and invited the astronomer to his live Taft Theatre performance to try again. That’s how Regas ended up on stage trying to decode the complicated concept for a frustrated Shatner. “Where on your résumé are you going to put Acted with William Shatner?” Hehman asks when Regas relates the story on the podcast a few weeks later.

REGAS RARELY TALKS ABOUT HIS PERsonal life outside of astronomy. But Hehman did uncover a few details about his Before Astronomy childhood in Columbus during a 2017 podcast interview with his Greek-American parents. Stan and Becky Regas shared stories of Dean selling Jolly Rancher candy to elementary school classmates, publishing a newsletter about recycling for the neighborhood, and building his own half-pipe skateboard ramp. Hehman describes the interview as hysterical. “It was sweet to be able to ask them anything and him not being able to stop me,” she says.

Like Albury, Hehman sees herself as the comedy half of her partnership with Regas. “He’s very into his work,” she says. “It blends with his life. It’s just in the fabric of who he is. He’s kind of quiet, and obviously very smart. He’s the coolest of the nerdy people I know. That’s the greatest 9 6 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

quote. He’s going to get so annoyed.” But still, she insists his over-the-top enthusiasm for astronomical events demonstrates “prototypical nerd behavior.” She laughs.

“Somewhere deep down, he knows.”

Regas attributes any nerd tendencies to a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out) on rare astronomical occurrences such as Venus crossing in front of the sun, known as a transit, or the moon covering the disk of the sun in a total solar eclipse.

He can cite his location for every significant astronomical event of the last two decades. He got his first glimpse of the Northern Lights in Newfoundland, Canada, in 2000, and he’s gaped at partial solar eclipses from a national park in Maine and the desert in Arizona.

But his greatest adventures come with the transits, starting with Venus in 2004.

“There hadn’t been a transit of Venus since 1882, 122 years,” he says. “I was sure not going to miss it.” He traveled to the coast in New Hampshire for prime viewing, but woke to the astronomer’s nightmare of heavy fog. Regas was distraught as he and a friend sat in their car staring at the misty sky. When he couldn’t take it any longer, he excused himself from the vehicle and closed the door. “I just yelled at the ocean for a while,” he recalls.

In 2012, when Venus made a second transit across the sun before another 100year hiatus, Regas took no chances, traveling to Arizona. “There was not a cloud in the sky,” he says. “No drama. It was actually a little boring.”

In between the two Venus episodes, Regas caught his first total solar eclipse, “the ultimate astronomical event,” on a boat in Greece in 2006. “It’s one of those moments where you’re watching in total disbelief what’s happening,” he says. “The sky turns this eerie shade of purple or silver. People can describe it. People can photograph or video it. But seeing it for yourself is like nothing else. It can’t be captured. It just has to be experienced.”

Regas still laments missing the experience of a rare transit of Mercury in May 2016, when he opted to stay in Cincinnati, where clouds blocked his view. “I was looking at weather maps and was going to drive as fast as I could to see it,” he says.

“But there was nowhere to go within a

300-mile radius. I had to sit there and suffer.” He determined well in advance that he wouldn’t endure a similar fate when the Great American Solar Eclipse arrived in 2017. While 1,500 people gathered at the Cincinnati Observatory for the chance to see the moon cover 91 percent of the sun, Regas shared 100 percent totality with about 50 people in a field behind a Quality Inn in Franklin, Kentucky. “It’s like the heavens close up,” he recalls on a podcast episode. “This whoosh happens. There’s total blackness. Two minutes and 30 seconds when the sun is gone.”

Just after 8 p.m. at the observatory’s January astronomy class, stargazers file into the Mitchel Building, which houses the Merz & Mahler refractor. The girl with the black bow gasps as she looks up at the giant scope pointed toward the domed roof. “It’s the oldest scope in the world that you’re allowed to touch,” Regas says proudly. He gives the massive instrument a one-finger nudge to demonstrate its easy maneuverability. Then he tugs on a bull rope, engaging a pulley that slides open the huge dome’s metal shutter, creating a loud metallic clang.

Despite his celebrity and entertaining manner, Regas believes working with the telescopes is his most important role.

“That’s something I realized kind of early on,” he says later. “They’re here to see the telescope and to see the sky. My job is to help them do that.”

As Regas rolls the observing platform into place, he tells the group he’ll train the scope on the moon. “It’s a little bright tonight,” he says. “But it’s cool.” The group follows his every move as he fusses with filters to give them the perfect view. At last, it’s just right. Regas turns to the 16-yearold celebrating his birthday and says, “Climb up and take a look.”

As the teen clambers up the steps, Regas calls out one last instruction. “Don’t hold back on your reaction.” The young man nods quickly, intent on reaching the scope. When he does, the light of the moon crosses his face and his mouth stretches into a broad grin. Regas watches with delight as the telescope and the sky work their magic, just as they have for the last 175 years. “Wow!” the teen says.

“That’s so cool!”

MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE ?

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went to the hotel, wherever they were staying downtown, and they had us come up to the room. They were very nice. I don’t think any of us thought we would end up in a hotel room with the world-famous Yardbirds.

no written budget from the event, but between the convention center, the orchestra, and the Yardbirds (who former student council members estimate cost somewhere between $2,000 and $2,800), “we had, like, $2 left over for programs,” says prom emcee Joe Albanese. The event was a major expense, considering St. X tuition back then was $300 per year. Whether it was funded by ticket sales, the school, or some combination of the two, no one fully remembers, but the prom’s price tag definitely raised a few eyebrows, says Paul Nelson, who notes some in the St. X community felt “that money could probably be spent in some better way.” Either way, the prom was settled and things were sailing along smoothly again until Pelley got another phone call just days before the dance, this time from the Yardbirds’ publicist.

PELLEY I got a call from the Epic Records promotion person in Cincinnati at the time, Julie Godsey. She said to me, “I’ve gotta go out of town, can you do me a favor and pick the band up at the airport?” I’m like, You gotta be kidding me, right? I had a ’67 Mustang that could fit all of three people. So [on prom day] I got Casey McKeown and his girlfriend Diane Smith [now Bossee] in his car and me in my car headed over to CVG to pick up this group. And this had to be 2 or 3 in the afternoon, just hours before the gig.

CHARLES

Rip was excited, so I was excited, too. He thought it was like the best thing in the world to have to put them in his car.

PELLEY Being the guitar player, I took Jimmy Page; he threw his guitar in the trunk of my car and hopped in to the back seat. Here I am in my tux, my gal friend Patti in her formal dress, and he got in the back seat and said,“Why are you dressed like that?” I said, “You’re playing our prom.” He goes,“What’s a prom?” He might’ve used a little more colorful language. He says, “You gotta be kidding me.” But he was really friendly. We all

CHARLES Jimmy Page was a little confounded by our clothing, like, “What are you guys dressed up for? And where are we going?” We were all pretty quiet. He had a very heavy accent—they all did. We did take them to their hotel, and that was kinda weird. I thought it was a little strange for a girl to be in their hotel room, but it was fine. I cannot remember if Diane was there or not. She may have been. I hope she was.

PELLEY Diane was there. There were a whole bunch of people, five or six of us. We didn’t stay for long.

McKEOWN

I was 16 years old, and I was just starstruck. Those guys were my idols. The girl I was with, Diane, was a looker, so they made [the autographs] out to her—From the Yardbirds, to Diane—and then they each individually signed [my prom program].

The Prom No one remembers how the band actually got to the convention center, but they arrived on time and ready to play. Awaiting them were a UC engineering student named Myles Kitchen and other members of local band The Crooked Mile, who’d been hired to do the lighting; a dance floor that some prom-goers swore was actually plywood on top of carpet; and a space that had been decorated by prom committee members and their moms the afternoon before, says committee member Steve Doepker, with trees scattered throughout the room, to fit the evening’s Scarborough Fair theme (in reference to Simon & Garfunkel’s hit song). The Dick Purdy Orchestra and the Yardbirds alternated playing; sometime in between, parents helped crown the prom king and queen.

There is no known surviving set list from that night, and Kitchen’s attempts at creating a bootleg tape of the Yardbirds’ performance were thwarted by the band. But the group played some of their biggest hits, wrote student Tom VonderBrink, ’69, in a letter years later: “Smokestack Lightning”; “Over, Under, Sideways, Down”; and an early version of “Dazed and Confused,” a song

Page later played with Led Zeppelin. Photos also show Page playing his guitar with a violin bow at the event—a unique method he employed during his time with Led Zeppelin as well.

JOE ALBANESE, ’68 Master of Ceremonies/

Prom Emcee: I guess I was the so-called

ringleader. I went up there and said hello—I think Dick Purdy played first. I didn’t have anything prepared to say, so I was just winging it. And when the orchestra took a break, that’s when I probably went backstage and asked the boys if they were ready. I met the band backstage and, as you might imagine, they were flying pretty high. I didn’t take a urinalysis or anything like that, but each of them had a giant paper Pepsi cup filled to the brim with scotch and ice.

DOEPKER During the evening, I had to go retrieve [chaperone] Father Garvey over in the dressing room for the Yardbirds. I forget what I had to talk to him about, but I went into the room and all the Yardbirds were in there. They had their own bar set up and my eyes got about as big as saucers.

They had every drink available to them, whereas we were sipping soft drinks, naturally. I thought, Man, they must have had all this written into their contract.

ALBANESE I couldn’t understand a word they were saying because of their British accents. The lead singer was really an attractive guy and had this real thick bowl haircut; he was short so I kind of identified with him. And Jimmy Page was sitting down; he’s really tall, and real long hair, and he mumbled a couple of things—honest to God, I don’t know what he said. Anyway, I kind of said, “OK, well, you’re on!” So I went out and introduced the Yardbirds.

KITCHEN We didn’t see them until they actually came out on stage. They certainly looked different. They had long hair [and] I remember one of them was wearing a very—I call it a puffy shirt, if you recall the Seinfeld episode about the puffy shirt.

It had kind of billowing sleeves and was real loosely fit and interesting. They each dressed to their own style.

CHARLES Everybody [at the prom] had on a formal dress or, for guys, a tux. I wore a long pink dress; I didn’t wear formals every day, so it was pretty exciting to me. Although, M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 9 7

MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE ?

CHARLES We didn’t really dance so much as stand around and look at ’em. Their music wasn’t all that danceable. But I thought it was exciting.

KITCHEN I was surprised they were using Fender Showman amps—those were the biggest, most powerful, loudest amps of that time. It was very loud. Of course, being a guitar player, I was really interested in [Jimmy Page’s] guitar, his second iteration of customizing [his Fender Telecaster]. It was a white guitar originally, and he stripped it down to bare wood. At first he just put some mirrors on the pick guard; he played it that way in ’67. In ’68, probably not long before this tour, he decided to change it and he stripped it, painted it. It’s got, like, red and green flames; it was kind of an abstract, almost like a dragon, combining with fire. I was awestruck at seeing one of my guitar heroes right there in front of me. Quite an experience.

KEEFE It did have a concert feel to it in the sense that some of the songs were very difficult to dance to: Is this a fast dance? Is this a

TEMMING They were on a stage that was just—you step up one step off the floor and you were on the stage. It’s not like going to a

when you compare it to what the Yardbirds wore, it was a little overdone. They looked like you thought a British band would look.

They were dressed like ... yardbirds.

TEMMING

The thing I remember most is people just stood there and watched.

They’re not a dance band, number one.

But number two, you have to understand there was a wide demographic at St. Xavier High School at that time; a lot of the people, particularly probably the seniors, weren’t ready for the type of music and the volume that they were gonna play.

“THERE WAS A WIDE DEMOGRAPHIC AT ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL AT THAT TIME; A LOT OF PEOPLE WEREN’T READY FOR THE TYPE OF MUSIC THEY WERE GONNA PLAY.” slow dance? Is this a stand-and-watch? There were probably those kinds of evaluations taking place throughout the event.

DOEPKER

Everybody just wanted to see ’em, you know? I think at that time we probably knew maybe half the songs that were popular—the other half were songs we really didn’t know. And if I remember correctly, I think they did a lot of jamming, too.

TEMMING Most of the dates were shocked at the type of music, I guess, and the volume. That would be the best way to put it.

Nobody walked out or anything, but just as a general reaction a lot of us thought, Wow, this is really, really loud—not your typical prom music. Which is the reaction I would have expected.

MIKE WHITE, ’68 prom committee chairman;

prom court: They were loud, I do remember that. Blowing it down. Well, they had a bunch of Fender stacks; you get a Fender stack, crank it up to about 80—you could blow the back windows out of a place.

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concert hall and watching them; you could almost reach out and touch ’em.

TOM SCHEPER, ’68 prom king: What I remember in my mind is Jimmy Page going crazy and playing like he’s on fire; that was kind of a summary of how that performance went—very upbeat, very exciting, loud, something we hadn’t seen before in person. Certainly a lot more enthused than many other proms, where it’s kind of background music playing. This certainly wasn’t that. A great atmosphere. It really was.

TEMMING It was a hell of a show, I just have to say. After 45 minutes [in the second set], they were gone—no encores. They got done playing and they left, and that was that.

PELLEY I think I was more like an expectant mother, running around panicked— gotta make sure they showed up, and they were on time, and everything was cool, and no broken amplifiers or microphones.

And same thing with the orchestra. I got my girlfriend’s father playing and I got the

Yardbirds playing and, you know, my neck was in a lasso if it failed. [Thankfully] it came off great.

ALBANESE Not everybody was a Yardbirds fan or not everybody was into ’60s rock and roll, which is perfectly fine. When they got done, I guess half the crowd was relieved and the other half was totally blown away.

WHITE My dad, Allan White, was news director at WCPO for years and years; I was surprised [he] didn’t send somebody over and it didn’t make the news. [When I told him], “The Yardbirds are coming!” he goes, “That’s the silliest name for a band I’ve ever heard.”

KEEFE As unique a situation as it was for us—a combined prom, a national band— for them it had to be equally unique. We’d gone to proms before. I’m guessing the Yardbirds never went to a prom before and never went to a prom after.

ALBANESE I know I had a date. I guess I didn’t pay much attention to my date. Oh, well. You can’t win ’em all.

The Aftermath In the May issue of the school’s monthly Prep Magazine, a St. Xavier student noted two English teachers had their classes write essays on whether or not they liked the prom.

“Out of virtually one hundred papers,” he wrote,“only five or six expressed dissatisfaction”; of those, the complaints included that the Yardbirds were “too fast,” “too loud,” and that their songs were “off-color,” writes the author,“meaning, I suppose, that there were references to kissing and holding hands in them. I, too,” he adds, sarcastically, “was embarrassed by these outrageous references to basic love.”

One other student editorial published after the prom notes that the money spent on the event could have paid eight students’ tuitions and “completely failed to convey the atmosphere one would expect at a formal dance.” But in a response published in Prep Magazine, Steve Doepker wrote that the prom was “designed to break tradition” and “had all the markings of being the best X ever had. . . . My opinion,” he adds, “also seems to be the general consensus on this subject.”

PELLEY It was a tale of two cities, you know? Some people just thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, and other people thought it was not what they envisioned a prom should be. But I think, overall, for the most part, they thought it was successful.

ALBANESE [The reaction to prom] was split. A lot of folks who love rock and roll thought it was the coolest thing in the world. The folks who really weren’t big rock and roll fans? They just kinda shrugged it off.

KEEFE I think a lot of people really wanted to be able to go to that prom—it was a big deal. What it was gonna be, no one was really sure. But the fact [is], it was gonna be different.

RUEHLMANN

If you had asked people to vote afterward, it would have been near unanimous that it was worth giving up our “special night.” I can remember these guys saying, “We waited three years for this special night.” It turned out to be a special night probably more so than any of us envisioned on the front end.

CHARLES I think what was remarkable to me is that Rip was able to get them, and if it hadn’t been the Yardbirds it would have been someone else who was touring. It’s part of being with Rip. He makes things happen.

WHITE Unbeknownst to us, it wasn’t six weeks or two months later that that particular lineup broke up. And then in July of that year, Page put together that little band called Led Zeppelin.

PELLEY [Our prom] was certainly precedent-setting for that day and age. In hindsight, who knew Jimmy Page was gonna go on and be the number three guitar player ever? So that’s like beyond, beyond an honor. If the Yardbirds would have just faded away and Jimmy Page would have just faded away, it might not have been as big of an event as the fact that you look back and you go, Hey! Led Zeppelin’s guitar player played our prom!

McKEOWN

I didn’t know who Jimmy Page was at the time. Looking back, that’s kind of an earth-shattering event to say,

“Yeah, we had rock and roll hall of famers play our prom.”

ALBANESE For those of us who lived and died by the rock and roll LP, Jimmy Page playing at our prom and then going on to achieve this stratospheric stardom with Led Zeppelin . . . I’m going, Why bother telling anybody? They’re not gonna believe you anyway. So it’s just kinda like our little secret.

TEMMING I used to tell my kids Jimmy Page played my high school prom and they said, “Oh, that’s bullcrap.” I had a book on the Yardbirds and in the back of the book was a list of all the concert dates they ever did. And the April 1968 date is listed in there.

SCHEPER Do you know Ken Broo? He was a TV sportscaster who also had a radio show. A couple years ago I was riding home from work, and he said [on air]: “I just got a call from a guy who said the Yardbirds played at their senior prom. I don’t know what that guy’s drinking.”

Like, Sure, there’s no way they got the Yardbirds to play at their prom. And, you know, [he] just kept making fun of it. So I hope he reads this article.

KITCHEN [Eventually] the Yardbirds reformed. In 2007, [they came] through Santa Cruz, to Moe’s Alley, which is a blues club. I said, “I’ve gotta go!” So I went, and it was loud. Again. [Laughs.]

Two originals were still with the band.

Afterward, they were selling T-shirts and CDs. I said, “Hey guys, you played a high school prom in Cincinnati—do you remember?” They acted like they did; they remembered it being in a convention center downtown and they thought it was odd that it was a high school prom.

KEEFE I think as the years have gone on, the story becomes perhaps even larger than the event itself.

WHITE The greatest prom you’ve never heard of.

Special thanks to St. Xavier archivists Karl Hauck and Nick Kemper, who assisted extensively with research for this story, and to Andy Sweeney, who facilitated those connections.

441 Vine Street (513) 651-1442 SnapFitness.com/Cincinnati

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EAT YOUR GREENS Waggleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot honey salad, brimming with mixed greens, bacon, chicken, celery, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, walnut dukkah, and hot honey vinaigrette.

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MONG SMALL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE REStaurant industry—which makes up 10 percent of the workforce, according to the National Restaurant Association—is being hit especially hard during stay-at-home mandates. To keep operations running in a limited capacity, many restaurants have pivoted to offer carryout services. While this is keeping businesses’ doors open for the time being, some have decided to halt operations altogether and have had to lay off employees. In the face of this unusual and disruptive time, several Cincinnati service industry leaders have stepped up to provide comfort and support to their employees, the community, and each other.

To offer relief to furloughed industry workers, Jose Salazar, chef-owner of Mita’s, partnered with nonprofit organization The LEE (Let’s Empower Employment) Initiative to offer to-go meals and daily essentials from his downtown restaurant. “We need to act quickly and do whatever we can to get people help,” says Salazar. Through a partnership with Maker’s Mark and donations from the public at leeinitiative.org, Mita’s will provide this service as long as it is financially viable.

To keep her entire staff, Stephanie Webster, owner of cheese and wine stores The Rhined and Oakley Wines, scrambled to convert both businesses to an e-commerce model on a dime. “It would have been devastating to say goodbye to anyone,” says Webster. “We had to get the website up in 48 hours [to make both stores inventories’ available for online ordering], but it was worth it to keep everyone’s job.”

During a national shortage of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, Fairfax-based distillery Karrikin Spir1 0 2 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M A UAY G U2S0T2 0 2013

NEW WORLD ORDER

(From left) The Rhined switches to online orders; Mita’s employees build to-go meals for furloughed industry workers; and Karrikin Spirits shifts to producing hand sanitizer.

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P H O T O G R A P H S CO U R T E S Y (L E F T T O R I G H T ) T H E R H I N E D, G I N A W E AT H E R S BY, A N D K A R R I K I N S P I R I T S

The restaurant industry fights to survive in a time of uncertainty. — M A G G I E H E A T H - B O U R N E

PEOPLE

OWNERS TAKING ACTION

P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y ( T O P T O B O T T O M ) T H U N D E R D O M E R E S T A U R A N T G R O U P, J E F F R U B Y C U L I N A R Y EN T ER TA I N M EN T, T H E R H I N ED

THUNDERDOME RESTAURANT GROUP

its decided to halt production of its spirits entirely to put its alcohol to a more practical use p ro d u c i n g h a n d sanitizer. “We could sit back and say, ‘It was a good run,’ but we could also say, ‘We work with alcohol and we can do something with it,’ ” says Matt Groves, on Karrikin’s marketing team. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Known for local eateries like The Eagle, Bakersfield, and Maplewood, with locations in other cities, Thunderdome Restaurant Group created a relief fund for 1,300 furloughed workers affected by its restaurant closures and service limitations. Founders Joe Lanni, John Lanni, and Alex Blust pledged to donate their salaries to the fund for the foreseeable future, as well as all proceeds from gift card sales through the end of March. “The coronavirus pandemic has posed the greatest threat to our industry that any of us has ever seen,” says Joe Lanni.

To combat the strain closures have placed on the restaurant industry, Britney Ruby-Miller, president of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, turned attention to federal lobbying efforts. Ruby-Miller

joined with at least eight other local industry leaders to form a “moral support force,” as she calls it, who advocated for federal relief for the industry, which contributes $899 billion to the U.S. economy annually, according to the National Restaurant Association.

On March 20, Mayor John Cranley invited Ruby-Miller and several of her fellow hospitality business owners to speak in a COVID-19 press conference. “The restaurant industry is part of one big tight-knit family,” she said. “Our number one goal is to welcome all of our employees back [when we reopen].” Cranley added his support, saying, “The restaurant industry needs specific industry help.”

One week later, President Trump signed into law the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, a $2 trillion federal relief package with more than $350 billion in forgivable Small Business Administration (SBA) loans up to $10 million that partially act as a grant for businesses with 500 or fewer employees, covering up to eight weeks of payroll expenses and a 50 percent refundable payroll tax credit on workers’ wages. It’s an effort to ensure employees have a job to return to and income in the meantime.

Mayor Cranley reminded those at home how they could offer support during the turbulent time: “Buy a gift card from your favorite restaurant. You’ll have a table waiting.”

Founders (Joe Lanni above) donated their salaries and gift card sales to their furloughed workers.

JEFF RUBY CULINARY ENTERTAINMENT

President Britney Ruby-Miller joined with other industry leaders to advocate for a small business bailout.

THE RHINED AND OAKLEY WINES

Owner Stephanie Webster brought both businesses online to stay open and avoid layoffs.

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 1 0 3

TAKEOUT HERO

Dance Revolution Waggle continues Sleepy Bee’s sunny-side-up sustainability.

N DECEMBER, SLEEPY BEE CAFÉ OWNERS Sandra Gross and John Hutton, M.D., opened a sequel concept called Waggle, named for the figureeight dance performed by honeybees to communicate.

The counter-service, fast-casual takeaway counterpart to Sleepy Bee’s sit-down eateries, its format fits: Located in sight of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Hutton is a longtime employee), across from the Ronald McDonald House, and near UC Medical Center, Waggle adds a quality carryout breakfast and lunch option for busy health care workers, families running to appointments, and the surrounding community. New at Waggle are breakfast and lunch bowls, either designed by executive chef and partner Frances Kroner or custom-made by you, Chipotle-style. Fan favorites include the classic breakfast bowl, a frittata-like pile of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, onions, and cheddar cheese, topped with a smoky housemade “nectar sauce,” and the hot honey salad bowl, a combination of chicken and bacon with tart granny smith apples, zingy goat cheese, and the eponymous hot honey. Expect the same top ingredients, many housemade or from local sources, and commitment to transparency about potential allergens and food sources. — A M Y B R O W N L E E

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Waggle Breakfast and Bowls, 3440 Burnet Ave., Avondale, (513) 221-1307, wagglebreakfastandbowls.com

Much of daily life has changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, that includes school closures. While this supports social distancing to mitigate the spread of the virus, it greatly affects students reliant on regularly provided lunchroom meals. In response, Milford restaurant Pickles & Bones Barbecue stepped up to offer free hot meals to K–12 students in the Milford Schools district.

“Food is incredibly important at a time like this,” says owner Josh House. “It’s a comfort, and we want to be able to provide that to the kids in our community.” Menu options change weekly but come from the Pickles & Bones restaurant’s menu of barbecue classics like pulled pork and sloppy joes. Pickles & Bones is accepting provides meals to monetary donations through a PayPal link on its Facebook page and website to support its efforts. House area students. says all donations go toward ingredients and supplies. “We’re going to try Pickles & Bones Barbecue, — M A G G I E H E A T H - B O U R N E to keep going for as long as possible,” he says. “Any help is going right to 1149 OH-131, Milford, (513) 317providing meals for these kids.”

2214, picklesandbones.com FIELD NOTES

FEEDING A VILLAGE

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PH OTO G R A PH BY D U S TI N S PA R K S / ILLU S TR ATI O N BY PA ISLE Y S TO N E

TABLESIDE WITH...

MORGAN HUGHES

IN DECEMBER, SHE TRANSItioned from her role as dining captain to maître d’hôtel of Orchids.

Since then she’s found her footing and looks forward each day to welcoming guests to her “home.”

How did you become maître d’?

I’ve been working in the restaurant industry for the past 10 years. I’ve been with Hilton for about four years. ... I went from a back server to a front server to a dining captain to [this] position.

What does your job entail?

I’m the general manager, so I’m responsible for the day-to-day functions . .. in a lot of ways [I think of it as though] the restaurant is my home and I’m allowing people to come in.

Why is service so essential?

Our [dining experience] is different than any other I’ve ever encountered.... It’s all choreographed to an extent because it is all up to Forbes standards, as well as being synchronized service.

How does it go off without a hitch?

A lot of repetition.... When you get it wrong, you feel it, because there are several people moving in the same direction.

Is the art of fine dining being lost today? There’s a level of formality we’re able to provide, and I think it’s a beautiful thing. It’s really encouraging when you’re seeing a relatively young staff upholding standards that are so timeless. — K A I L E I G H PEYTON Orchids at Palm Court, orchidsatpalmcourt.com Read a longer conversation with Morgan at cincinnatimagazine.com

HOT PLATE

Buffalo Trace RIGHT NEXT TO BRAXTON BREWING, PARLOR ON SEVENTH DRAWS CONCEPTUAL INSPIration from the history of the Covington and Lexington Turnpike, which once connected our area to farmers in more rural parts. But prior to that, the trace was flattened by buffalo, an important point for the Southern-tinged space, which pulls in a ton of buffalo-themed branding. My wife and I ordered drinks: me, the puzzling but tasty jalapeño “martini,” made with Tito’s vodka, jalapeño syrup, and lime, and her, the Campfire old fashioned, made with Buffalo Trace (naturally) and a toasted marshmallow topper. We started with the buffalo cauliflower (see?): seared cauliflower with buffalo sauce, ranch, and blue cheese that, in one bite, explains the vegetable’s recent popularity. I ordered the Covington’s Own hot brown on a self-made dare—I had a few rough encounters with the over-the-top dish while living in central Kentucky—but Chef Mike Schieman shows some welcome restraint when layering smoked turkey, bacon, and tomato on buttered bread, all drowned in mornay sauce and cheese. My wife’s pesto chicken thighs, cooked sous vide, then cast iron seared, were herby and delicious, served on a salad and on Seventh, topped with sriracha honey and pistachio pesto. We definitely didn’t 43Parlor W. Seventh St., Covington, (859) 993-4700, have room for dessert but ordered the bread pudding anyway. It reparloronsev sembled a flaky French toast and, while not the evening’s highlight, enth.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. sent us home satisfied. — R O D N E Y W I L S O N

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DINING GUIDE CINCINNATI MAGAZINE’S

dining guide is compiled by our editors as a service to our readers.

The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for a restaurant listing.

The editors may add or delete restaurants based on their judgment.

Because of space limitations, all

of the guide’s restaurants may not be included. Many restaurants have changing seasonal menus; dishes listed here are examples of the type of cuisine available and may not be on the menu when you visit.

To update listings, e-mail: cmletters@cincinnati magazine.com

KEY: No checks unless specified.

AE American Express, DC Diners Club DS Discover, MC MasterCard, V Visa MCC Major credit cards: AE, MC, V $ = Under $15 $$$ = Up to $49 $$ = Up to $30 $$$$ = $50 and up Top 10

107 AMERICAN 108 CHINESE 108 ECLECTIC 110 ITALIAN 110 JAPANESE 110 MEDITERRANEAN 110 MEXICAN 111 STEAKS 111 THAI

Named a Best Restaurant March 2020

111 VIETNAMESE

AMERICAN

trasts of colors and textures belongs to someone who cares for food. 1000 Summit Place, Blue Ash, (513) 794-1610, browndogcafe.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Fri, brunch and dinner Sat, brunch Sun. MCC, DS. $$

THE BIRCH

On any given evening, guests nibble at spicy hummus served with French breakfast radishes and pita bread while sipping slightly spumante glasses of Spanish Txakolina. And while the dinner menu reads strictly casual at first glance— soups, salads, and sandwiches—the preparation and quality is anything but. An endive salad with candied walnuts, Swiss cheese, crispy bacon lardons, and an apple vinaigrette surpassed many versions of the French bistro classic. And both the Brussels sprouts and Sicilian cauliflower sides refused to play merely supporting roles.

Both were sensational studies in the balance of sweet, spicy, and acidic flavors. 702 Indian Hill Rd., Terrace Park, (513) 831-5678, thebirchtp.com.

Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. DS. $

BRONTË BISTRO

You might think this is a lunch-only spot where you can nosh on a chicken salad sandwich after browsing next door at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.

But this Norwood eatery feels welcoming after work, too. The dinner menu features entrées beyond the rotating soup and quiche roster that’s popular at noon. Fried chicken? Check.

Quesadillas and other starters? Yep. An assortment of burgers? Present, including turkey and veggie versions. Casual food rules the day but the surprise is Brontë Bistro’s lineup of adult beverages, which elevates the place above a basic bookstore coffeeshop. The regular drinks menu includes such mainstays as Hemingway’s Daiquiri, a tribute to the author who drank them (often to excess). 2692 Madison Rd., Norwood, (513) 396-8970, josephbeth.com Breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days. MCC. $

BROWN DOG CAFÉ

If you haven’t had a plate of Shawn McCoy’s design set in front of you, it’s about time. Many of the menu’s dishes show his knack for the plate as a palette. A trio of stout day boat diver scallops—exquisitely golden from pan searing—perch atop individual beds of uniformly diced butternut squash, fragments of boar bacon, and shavings of Brussels sprout. The eye for detail and conILLUSTR ATIO N BY L AUREN MEIL STRUP

CABANA ON THE RIVER

UPSIDE OF ADULTING With restaurants, bars, and breweries closed to in-house customers (at press time), MadTree took to the streets with its dual “adult ice cream trucks,” serving up curbside beer and Catch-A-Fire pizza. The clever concept proved too awesome, drawing crowds of “social distancers” across the Queen City, and was discontinued after a week for safety’s sake.

madtreebrewing.com

Like a big outdoor picnic with a view of the serene hills of Kentucky and the Ohio River rolling by, this is one of those places west-siders would rather the rest of Cincinnati didn’t know about.

Its annual debut in late spring marks the official beginning of summer for many. People flock to the Cabana for good food prepared well: grilled mahi-mahi sandwiches, pork barbecue, steak on a stick, Angus beef burgers, Italian and steak hoagies, white chicken chili, and interesting salads. While some of the fare is familiar pub grub, nothing is sub-standard. Even potato chips are made in-house and seasoned with Cajun spices.

7445 Forbes Rd., Sayler Park, (513) 941-7442, cabanaontheriver.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

COPPIN’S

With wine on tap and an extensive local beer list, Coppin’s is an ideal place to meet for drinks. In addition to plenty of Kentucky bourbon, much of the produce, meat, and cheese comes from local growers and producers. House-cured meat and cheese from Kenny’s Farmhouse and cheese from Urban Stead populate the “Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie Board,” which dresses up the main attractions with honey, dijon mustard, house pickles, and Sixteen Bricks grilled sourdough. The mussels—made with seasonally rotating sauces and chorizo from Napoleon Ridge Farms in Gallatin County—were served with a peppery tomato sauce, perfect for sopping up with bread. The seven-ounce Sakura Farms Wagyu rib eye with wild mushrooms, roasted parsnip, and beef jus is a must have. Or try the striped bass with grape farro roasted broccolini and mussel cream sauce. 638 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 905-6600, hotelcovington. com/dining/coppins. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days. MCC. $$

COZY’S CAFÉ & PUB

On a visit to England, Jan Collins discovered the “cozy” atmosphere of London restaurants built in

historic houses. She brought that warm, comfortable feeling back to the United States in opening Cozy’s. Though the atmosphere in the restaurant is reminiscent of Collins’s London travels, the food remains proudly American. The produce in virtually every dish is fresh, seasonal, and flavorful.

The 12-hour pork shank stands out with its buttery grits and root vegetable hash, along with a portion of tender meat. And when it comes down to the classics, from the biscuits that open the meal to carrot cake at the end, Cozy’s does it right.

6440 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Twp., (513) 644-9364, cozyscafeandpub.com. Dinner Tues–Sat, brunch Sat & Sun. $$$

MR. GENE’S DOGHOUSE

Cumminsville is home to arguably the best hot chili cheese mett and chocolate malt in Greater Cincinnati. A family owned business that began as a simple hot dog stand more than 50 years ago, Mr. Gene’s still attracts lines of loyal customers at its windows. Can’t stand the heat? Order the mild chili mett—more flavor, fewer BTUs. And if you still haven’t embraced Cincinnati-style coneys, try the Chicago-style hot dog with pickles, onions, relish, mustard, tomato, and celery salt; a barbecue sandwich; or wings (a sign proclaims “So hot they make the devil sweat”). Although the chocolate malt is the biggest seller, we love the $3.25 pineapple shake, made with real pineapple. 3703 Beekman St., South Cumminsville, (513) 541-7636, mrgenesdoghouse.com. Open Feb– Dec for lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MC, V. $

GOOSE & ELDER

The third restaurant from chef Jose Salazar, Goose & Elder is a more everyday kind of joint compared to his others. The prices are lower, and most of the dishes, from burgers to grits, are familiar. Salazar’s menus have always hinted that the chef had a fondness for, well, junk food.

But junk food is only junk if it is made thoughtlessly. Everything here is made with little twists, like the cumin-spiced potato chips and delicate ribbons of housemade cucumber pickles with a sweet rice wine vinegar. Even the fries, crinkle cut and served with “goose sauce,” a mildly spiced mayonnaise, are wonderfully addictive.

The restaurant demonstrates that what we now consider “fast food” can be awfully good if someone makes it the old-fashioned, slow way. 1800

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Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 579-8400, goose andelder.com. Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

THE NATIONAL EXEMPLAR The classics are here—prime rib with horseradish and au jus; liver and onions; an eight-ounce filet with bernaise—plus some new favorites, including short rib pasta. Or have breakfast, English-style: fried eggs, bacon, sausage, stewed beans, roasted tomatoes, and buttered toast.

The dinner menu also features burgers, risotto, pasta, seafood, and plenty more lighter options.

6880 Wooster Pke., Mariemont, (513) 271-2103, nationalexemplar.com. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

OTTO’S

AT-HOME PIZZA PARTY Stuck at home?

Sure, you could order a pizza. But where’s the fun in that? In addition to traditional carryout, Dewey’s is offering buildyour-own “pizza packs” with dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings. As for the signature Dewey’s dough toss and assembly, the pizzeria has uploaded step-by-step tutorials to YouTube, so you and the family can learn from the pros. deweyspizza.

com

Chef/owner Paul Weckman opened Otto’s, named after his father-in-law, with $300 worth of food and one employee—himself. Weckman’s food is soothing, satisfying, and occasionally, too much of a good thing. His tomato pie is beloved by lunch customers: Vine-ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and chopped green onions packed into a homemade pie shell, topped with a cheddar cheese spread, and baked until bubbly. Weckman’s straightforward preparations are best. The shrimp and grits with sauteed shrimp spinach, mushrooms, Cajun beurre blanc atop a fried grit cake, short ribs braised in red wine and herbs, served over mashed potatoes with green beans and caramelized baby carrots that will bring you the comfort of a home-cooked meal. This is, at its heart, a neighborhood restaurant, a place with its own large, quirky family. 521 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-6678, ottosonmain.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

PUTZ’S CREAMY WHIP When your tongue touches the frozen white Nirvana on top of a Putz’s cone, every moment of every joy of every summer of your life is condensed into one simple swipe. It’s the sweetness, the creaminess, the cloud-like texture. I dare you to close your eyes, taste it, and not think of your first summer love, or getting invited to the new neighbor’s pool on the second day of August.

Putz’s coneys are also very popular. But it’s the simplicity of vanilla on a cone that has made this place. When I-74 was being built, the expressway would have landed three feet from Putz’s back door. As bizarre as this sounds, the U.S. Department of Transportation actually moved the freeway for Putz’s. They do that kind of thing for holy shrines. 2673 Putz Place, Westwood, (513) 681-8668, putzscreamywhip.com. Lunch and dinner seven days, seasonally. Cash. $

SYMPHONY HOTEL & RESTAURANT Tucked into a West 14th Street Italianate directly around the corner from Music Hall, this place feels like a private dinner club. There’s a preferred byreservation policy. Check the web site for the weekend’s five-course menu, a slate of “new American” dishes that changes monthly. You can see the reliance on local produce in the spring vegetable barley soup. Salads are interesting without being busy, and the sorbets are served as the third course palate cleanser. Main courses of almond-crusted mahi-mahi, flat-iron steak, and a vegetable lasagna hit all the right notes, and you can end with a sweet flourish if you choose the chocolate croissant bread pudding. 210 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-3353, symphonyhotel. com. Dinner Thurs–Sun, brunch Sun. $$

TELA BAR + KITCHEN Classically conceived but casually executed comfort food, including mini-Monte Cristo sandwiches with tangy house-made pimento cheese stuffed into sourdough bread and fried crisp, mac and cheese topped with a Mr. Pibb–braised pulled short rib, and steak and potatoes. Servers are

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slightly scattered, yet enthusiastic and friendly, with a good grasp of the beverage program.

1212 Springfield Pke., Wyoming, (513) 821-8352, telabarandkitchen.com. Lunch and dinner Tues– Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $$

CHINESE AMERASIA A sense of energetic fun defines this tiny Chinese spot with a robust beer list. The glossy paper menu depicts Master Chef Rich Chu as a “Kung Food” master fighting the evil fast-food villain with dishes like “fly rice,” “Brocco-Lee,” and “Big Bird’s Nest.” Freshness rules. Pot stickers, dumplings, and wontons are hand-shaped.

The Dragon’s Breath wontons will invade your dreams. Seasoned ground pork, onion, and cilantro meatballs are wrapped in egg dough, wok simmered, and topped with thick, spicy red pepper sauce and fresh cilantro. Noodles are clearly Chef Chu’s specialty, with zonxon (a tangle of thin noodles, finely chopped pork, tofu, and mushrooms cloaked in spicy dark sauce and crowned with peanuts and cilantro) and Matt Chu’s Special (shaved rice noodle, fried chicken, and seasonal vegetables in gingery white sauce) topping the menu’s flavor charts. 521 Madison Ave., Covington, (859) 261-6121. Lunch Sun–Fri, dinner seven days. MCC. $

ORIENTAL WOK This is the restaurant of your childhood memories: the showy Las Vegas-meets-China decor, the ebulliently comedic host, the chop sueys, chow meins, and crab rangoons that have never met a crab. But behind the giant elephant tusk entryway and past the goldfish ponds and fountains is the genuine hospitality and warmth of the Wong family, service worthy of the finest dining establishments, and some very good food that’s easy on the palate. Best are the fresh fish: salmon, sea bass, and halibut steamed, grilled, or flash fried in a wok, needing little more than the ginger–green onion sauce that accompanies them. Even the chicken lo mein is good. It may not be provocative, but not everyone wants to eat blazing frogs in a hot pot. 317 Buttermilk Pke., Ft. Mitchell, (859) 331-3000; 2444 Madison Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-6888, orientalwok.com.

Lunch Mon–Fri (Ft. Mitchell; buffet Sun 11–2:30), lunch Tues–Sat (Hyde Park), dinner Mon–Sat (Ft. Mitchell) dinner Tues–Sun (Hyde Park). MCC. $$

SICHUAN BISTRO CHINESE GOURMET Like many Chinese restaurants that cater to both mainstream American and Chinese palates, this strip mall gem uses two menus. The real story here is found in dishes of pungent multilayered flavors that set your mouth ablaze with fermented peppers and fresh chilies and then just as quickly cool it down with the devilish, numbing sensation of hua jiao, Sichuan pepper.

Its numbing effect is subtle at first: appetizers of cold sliced beef and tripe, as well as slices of pork belly with a profusion of minced garlic, lean toward the hot and sweet; mapo tofu freckled with tiny fermented black beans and scallions, and pork with pickled red peppers and strips of ginger root, progress from sweet to pungent to hot to salty—in that order. Alternated with cooling dishes—nibbles of rice, a verdant mound of baby bok choy stir-fried with a shovelful of garlic, refreshing spinach wilted in ginger sauce, a simply sensational tea-smoked duck—the effect is momentarily tempered. 7888 S. Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-3123, sichuanbistro. com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

SUZIE WONG’S ON MADISON A few items on the menu resemble those that were once served at Pacific Moon, such as laub

gai and Vietnamese rolls, both variations of lettuce wraps. For the laub gai, browned peppery chicken soong (in Cantonese and Mandarin, referring to meat that is minced) is folded into leaf lettuce with stems of fresh cilantro and mint, red Serrano peppers, a squeeze of lime juice, and a drizzle of fish sauce. In the Vietnamese roll version, small cigar-sized rolls stuffed with chicken and shrimp are crisp fried and lettuce wrapped in the same manner. The Pan-Asian menu also includes Korean kalbi (tenderific beef ribs marinated and glazed in a sweet, dark, sesame soy sauce) and dolsat bibimbap, the hot stone bowl that’s a favorite around town. 1544 Madison Rd., East Walnut Hills, (513) 751-3333, suziewongs. com. Lunch Tues–Sat, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

ECLECTIC Top 10

ABIGAIL STREET

Most people who’ve eaten at Abigail Street have favorite dishes that they order every visit: the Moroccan spiced broccoli, for example, or the mussels charmoula, with its perfect balance of saffron, creaminess, and tomatoey acidity. Many of the new items on the menu have the same perfected feeling as these classics. Working within a loose framework of Middle Eastern and North African flavors, Abigail Street has never fallen into a routine that would sap its energy. New offerings like the duck leg confit, with spicy-sour harissa flavors, firm-tender butternut squash, and perfectly made couscous, feel just as accomplished as old favorites like the falafel, beautifully moist and crumbly with a bright parsley interior. The restaurant is always watching for what works and what will truly satisfy, ready to sacrifice the superficially interesting in favor of the essential. 1214 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-4040, abigailstreet. com. Dinner Tues–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

Top 10

BOCA

With its grand staircase, chandelier, and floor-to-ceiling draperies, Boca has an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement. There is a sense of drama not only in the decor but in everything it serves. In some dishes, there is a painterly sense of contrast and surprise, like violet-derived purple sugar beside the pain de Gênes (French almond cake). In others, there is a dramatic suspense, like the whole egg yolk quivering in the center of the Fassone tartare waiting to be broken. While staying mostly grounded in the fundamentals of Italian and French cuisine, Boca has an air of international sophistication that sets its food apart. The hamachi crudo, an old standby on the menu, takes Japanese flavors and gives them new dimensions with grapefruit suprêmes and slivers of shishito pepper. This is food of extraordinary creativity and flair.

114 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 542-2022, boca cincinnati.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$$

Top 10

BOUQUET RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR

Normally diners aren’t pleased when a restaurant runs out of something. At Bouquet, though, surprise changes to the menu are simply a sign of integrity. Chef-owner Stephen Williams is serious about using seasonal ingredients, and if the figs have run out or there is no more chicken from a local farm, so be it. The flavors at Bouquet are about doing justice to what’s available. Preparations are unfussy, complexity coming from within the vegetables and proteins themselves. A tomato salad—wonderfully fresh and vibrant, so you know the tomatoes have just come off a nearby vine—is dressed with chopped shiso, a crimson herb that tastes like a mysterious combination of ILLUSTR ATIO N BY L AUREN MEIL STRUP

mint and cilantro. This determination to make something delicious out of what’s on hand, to embrace limitations, gives the food at Bouquet a rustic, soulful quality. 519 Main St., Covington, (859) 491-7777, bouquetrestaurant.com.

Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS. $$

BRANCH Located in a huge Art Deco building, formerly a bank, Branch has taken this potentially cavernous and impersonal space and made it intimate. Diners might recognize the vibe from this restaurant group’s first venture, Northside’s The Littlefield. The chef, Shoshannah Anderson, cooks in a mode that we would call “international home-style,” taking inspiration from the comfort food of many cultures. It maintains a balance between cooking to a higher price point and creating an atmosphere of refinement without losing the informal neighborhood feel. The shrimp and grits—served soupy in a big bowl with an addictively sweet-and-sour green tomato marmalade swirled into the creamy grits—are taken surprising heights. Another notable item is a dish that wouldn’t normally get a mention in a review: the french fries. They demonstrate that food that is usually mindlessly inhaled can be worth savoring if it is made with enough love. 1535 Madison Rd., East Walnut Hills, (513) 221-2702, eatatbranch. com. Dinner Mon–Sun, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

CHÉ This Walnut Street spot draws on authentic Argentine recipes, including the empanadas. Choose from more than a dozen different crispy, perfectly cinched dough pockets, with fillings ranging from traditional (a mixture of cumin-spiced beef, egg, and olives) to experimental (mushrooms, feta, green onion, and mozzarella). There are also six different dipping sauces to choose from, but you need not stray from the house chimichurri. It complements practically every item on the menu, but particularly the grilled meats, another Argentinian staple. Marinated beef skewers and sausages are cooked on an open-flame grill, imparting welcome bits of bitter char to the juicy meat. 1342 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 345-8838, checincinnati.com. Lunch Tues–Sun , dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

COMMONWEALTH BISTRO Everything from the old jukebox by the entrance to the sepia-toned rabbit-and-pheasant wallpaper exudes an appreciation for the antique. But rather than duplicating old recipes, Covington’s Commonwealth uses history as a springboard to create something elegant and original.

Two dishes get at what makes this place special: biscuits and fried rabbit. Their biscuit, served with tart quince butter, is perfection—moist and flaky, without being coatyour-throat buttery or crumble-to-ash dry. The rabbit is crisp, light, and not at all greasy, with just the right touch of seasoning and a bright biz baz sauce, a cilantro and garlic sauce of Somali origin that tastes like a creamy salsa verde. Brunch offers the same sort of mashup, including salsa verde pork with pickled jalapeño grits made creamy with the yolk of a 75-degree egg and a smoky, spicy, not too salty Bloody Mary. 621 Main St., Covington, (859) 9166719, commonwealthbistro.com. Dinner Tues–Sun, Brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$

CROWN REPUBLIC GASTROPUB What makes Crown Republic special isn’t its handful of outstanding dishes. It’s the place’s sheer consistency.

No single dish is absolutely mind-blowing or completely original, but when almost everything that comes out is genuinely tasty, the service is always friendly and attentive, and (stop the presses!) the bill is quite a bit less than you expected, you sit up and pay attention. The crab and avocado toast, served on grilled bread with lime juice and slivers of pickled Fresno chiles, is a prime example of what makes Crown Republic tick. The cocktails are equally unfussy and good, like the Tipsy Beet, made with vodka, housemade beet shrub, cucumber, mint, and citrus peel. Crown Republic has a mysterious quality that I can only describe as “good energy.” 720 Sycamore St.,

behind the bar drive this little restaurant’s philosophy. The menu is meant to be limited, the better to support and celebrate the bottled flavors up front. There are surprises: a faint hint of curry powder deepens the moody cauliflower fritters; skewered golf-balls of mild, peppery ground lamb get a faint crust from the final sear. You’ll also want to order the smoked pork katsu. Panko crusted cutlets of pork, topped with tonkatsu sauce, served with sesame ginger slaw and kewpie mayo. The signature chicken and corn chowder is exactly what you need on a cold winter’s day. 3934 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, (513) 386-7570, littlefieldns.com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days, brunch Sun. V, MC. $

MELT REVIVAL In this Northside sandwich joint, the restaurant’s name pretty much dictates what you should get. Diners have their choice of sandwiches, including the vegetarian cheesesteak—seitan (a meat substitute) topped with roasted onions, peppers, and provolone—and the J.L.R. Burger, a black bean or veggie patty served with cheese, tomato, lettuce and housemade vegan mayo. For those who require meat in their meals, try the verde chicken melt: juicy pieces of chicken intermingle with pesto, zucchini, and provolone. Not sure you’ll want a whole sandwich? Try one of the halvesies, a half-salad, half-soup selection popular with the lunch crowd. 4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 818-8951, meltrevival.com. MCC, DS. $

METROPOLE Metropole has been remarkably stable since it opened in 2012. Even when chefs have left, the organization has promoted from within, kept popular dishes on the menu, and maintained a certain vibe. Its new chef, David Kelsey, has been with the business since 2016, and his menu will feel familiar, with a balance between sophistication and rusticity. Its vegetarian fare contains many of its most inventive and delightful creations. The chilled cantaloupe soup has a creamy note from coconut milk and a hint of spice floating in at the end of every bite to balance the subtle, melon-y sweetness. The fancy “candy bar,” with its light and crispy peanut wafers and ring of flourless chocolate cake and caramel, encapsulates Metropole at its best: fun and whimsical, but rooted in careful execution of deep and satisfying flavors. 609 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 5786660, metropoleonwalnut.com. Breakfast and dinner seven days, lunch Mon–Fri, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC. $$ Top 10

MITA’S

It’s fitting that chef Jose Salazar named this restaurant after his grandmother, because there is something deeply homey about the food at Mita’s. With a focus on Spanish tapas, it always feels, in the best possible way, like elevated home cooking. Its sophistication is modestly concealed. The flavors are bold and direct, whether the smoky depths of the chimichurri rojo on skewers of grilled chicken or the intensely bright sourness of the pozole verde. In dishes like the mushroom soup, the chef hits every register: the acid of red piquillo peppers to balance the earthy mushrooms, the crisp fried leeks against the delicately creamy soup. But what mainly comes through is the warm-hearted affection a grandmother might have put into a meal for a beloved grandson. It’s the kind of big hug everyone needs from time to time. 501 Race St., downtown, (513) 421-6482, mitas.co. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$ Top 10

ORCHIDS AT PALM COURT

THE LITTLEFIELD

Executive chef George Zappas is maintaining the proud traditions of Orchids with food that is wonderfully complex, diverse, and surprising. A dish of parsnip soup has a quinoa chip and apple butter, along with salty duck prosciutto, notes of smoke and spice from the espelette pepper at the base of the bowl, and a touch of acid that crept in on the roasted parsnip. In a few dazzling bites it all comes together like a highly technical piece of music. A Southeast Asian–inspired halibut dish, with its green curry paste, adobo, and peanut brittle, shows how Zappas can break out of the restaurant’s traditionally European comfort zone. Aside from the food, part of the pleasure is simply being in the space, enjoying the jazz band, and watching the grace and assurance of the staff as they present the meal.

Inside a modest 1,500 square-foot space on Spring Grove, just south of Hamilton Avenue, at least 70-odd bourbons

35 W. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 564-6465, orchidsatpalm court.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

downtown, (513) 246-4272, crgcincy.com. Lunch and dinner Tues–Sat. MCC. $$

PLEASANTRY With only 40 seats inside, Daniel Souder and Joanna Kirkendall’s snug but spare OTR gem—they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner like a true neighborhood spot—features an engaging wine program aimed at broadening your palate alongside small plates that are equally ambitious. Classic technique and fresh produce anchor an approachable menu—“everything” biscuits with cured salmon, burgers, and chicken salad sandwiches are available at lunch, and the cauliflower with sambal is a comforting mash-up of a rich cauliflower-and-coconutcream schmear topped with a head of sambal-roasted cauliflower, grapefruit segments, toasted cashews, and cilantro. This is not to say that the proteins aren’t something special. Traditionally a much less expensive cut, the small hanger steak was decidedly tender, served with braised cippolini onions and sauteed mushrooms. 118 W. 15th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-1969, pleasantryotr. com. Dinner Tues–Sat, brunch Fri–Sun. MCC. $

Top 10

PLEASE

It’s hard to describe the food at Please to a person who hasn’t been there, except that it’s like nothing else in Cincinnati. Some of chef-owner Ryan Santos’s culinary experiments have been bizarre, some fascinating, and some simply delicious—and all of it emerges from a dining room–centered kitchen that seems like it belongs in a small apartment. Almost all of his risks hit their marks, from the frothy bay leaf–grapefruit mignonette on the oysters to the cedar-rosemary custard. What has made Please increasingly wonderful is a willingness, at times, to deliver something straightforward, like an outstanding course of rye gnocchi or a spicy green kale sauce with a lemony zing. That this weird and wonderful restaurant exists at all, and is actually thriving, is a compliment not just to Santos and his staff but to the city as a whole. 1405 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 405-8859, pleasecincinnati.com. Dinner Wed–Sat. MCC. $$$

SACRED BEAST Sacred Beast advertises itself as a kind of upscale diner, but the real gems are the oddball dishes that don’t quite fit the diner mold. The menu can be disorienting in its eclecticism: foie gras torchon is next to lobster poutine, and a king salmon is next to a diner breakfast and deviled eggs. Winners are scattered throughout the menu in every category.

On the cocktail list, the Covington Iced Tea, a lemon and coffee concoction made with cold brew, San Pellegrino, and vodka is oddly satisfying. The service is good, and there is some flair about the place—including vintage touches, from the facsimile reel-to-reel audio system to the mostly classic cocktails—even within its rather chilly industrial design. In short, go for the late night grub; stay for the elegant, shareable twists on classic snacks. 1437 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 213-2864, sacredbeastdiner.com.

Lunch, dinner, and late night seven days. MCC. $$

TASTE OF BELGIUM Jean-François Flechet’s waffle empire grew from a back counter of Madison’s grocery at Findlay Market to multiple full-service sit-down spots. There’s more on the menu than the authentic Belgian treat, though it would be a crime to miss the chicken and waffles: a dense, yeasty waffle topped with a succulent buttermilk fried chicken breast, Frank’s hot sauce, and maple syrup. There are also frites, of course, and croquettes—molten Emmenthaler cheese sticks—plus a gem of a Bolognese. And let’s not forget the beer. Six rotating taps offer some of the best the Belgians brew, not to mention those made in town. 1133 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 381-4607, and other locations, authenticwaffle.com. Breakfast and lunch Mon–Sat, dinner Tues–Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $$

20 BRIX Paul Barraco mixes Mediterranean influences with homespun choices, and he comes up with some marvelous food.

Lamb meatballs with melted onions and romesco sauce are sweet and peppery, and their simplicity partners well with a lush Zinfandel. And his chicken and waffles could inspire you to regularly take a solo seat at the bar. The excellent wine list, arranged by flavor profiles within the varietals, features dozens of varieties by the glass in fiveounce or two-ounce pours, which makes it easy to try several. 101 Main St., Milford, (513) 831-2749, 20brix.com.

Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DS, DC. $$

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Top 10

NICOLA’S

Nicola’s has entered a new era of exuberant creativity under the leadership of chef Jack Hemmer. You can still get the old Italian classics, and they’ll be as good as ever, but the rest of the menu has blossomed into a freewheeling tour of modern American cuisine. Any establishment paying this level of attention to detail—from the candied slice of blood orange on the mascarpone cheesecake to the staff ’s wine knowledge—is going to put out special meals.

Rarely have humble insalate been so intricately delicious, between the perfectly nested ribbons of beets in the pickled beet salad or the balance of bitterness, funkiness, and creaminess in the endive and Gorgonzola salad. Order an old favorite, by all means, but make sure you try something new, too. 1420 Sycamore St., Pendleton, (513) 721-6200, nicolasotr.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC, DS. $$$

Top 10

POP-UP PHILANTHROPY To directly support its furloughed workers amid the temporary closure of its restaurant and bars, concept bar and pop-up powerhouse Gorilla Cinema raised more than $18,000 selling gift cards during a four-hour social media “telethon.”

Owner Jacob Trevino hosted the song-fueled marathon himself from his downtown karaoke bar Tokyo Kitty, auctioning off prizes that ranged from a catered cinema picnic to a private Harry Potter pop-up event.

gorillacinema presents.com

SOTTO

There are certain books and movies that you can read or watch over and over.

Eating at Sotto is a similar experience: familiar, but so profound and satisfying that there is no reason to ever stop. Unlike other restaurants, where the techniques are often elaborate and unfamiliar, the magic at Sotto happens right in front of you, using ordinary elements and methods. When you taste the results, though, you realize that some mysterious transmutation has taken place. Penne with rapini and sausage comes in a buttery, lightly starchy broth with a kick of spice that you could go on eating forever.

From the texture of the chicken liver mousse to the tart cherry sauce on the panna cotta, most of the food has some added element of soulfulness. 118 E. Sixth St., downtown, (513) 977-6886, sottocincinnati.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$

J A PA N E S E MATSUYA At this relaxed little sushi boutique, try ordering kaiseki, a traditional six-course meal that features a succession of small plates but plenty of food. You might encounter an entire steamed baby octopus or yellowtail with daikon radish, pickled mackerel or deep-fried oysters. You can depend on cucumber or seaweed salad, tempura shrimp, a grilled meat or fish, and of course, sushi—and sometimes even the colorful Bento box sampler. There’s a Nabemono—tableside pot cooking—section on the menu featuring shabu shabu: slices of prime beef swished through bubbling seaweed broth just until the pink frosts with white. Served with simmered vegetables, ponzu sauce, daikon, and scallions, the concentrated, slightly sour flavor of the beef is vivid. 7149 Manderlay Dr., Florence, (859) 746-1199, matsuya-ky.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days. MCC, DC, DS. $$

MEI Mei’s menu is meant to represent traditional Japanese cuisine, appealing to the novice as well as the sushi maven. It is divided into sections that encourage a progressive meal of small dishes: One each for hot and cold appetizers, noodles, sushi and sashimi, special rolls, soups and salads, sushi dinners (with miso soup), and combinations (such as tempura paired with sashimi). Deep-fried soft shell crab comes with ponzu sauce—a dipping sauce made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, and citrus juice—and the kind of yakitori that you can find on the streets

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of New York. Bento boxes—lacquered wooden boxes divided into compartments—offer the neophyte a sampling of several small dishes. Mei’s are lovely: deep red and stocked with tempura, cooked salmon, sashimi, stewed vegetables, and a fabulous egg custard with shrimp and gingko nut. Mei’s sushi—nigiri, maki, and handrolls—is exceptionally good with quality cuts of fresh seafood. The staff is knowledgeable, extremely efficient, respectful, and attentive, even when it’s at peak capacity. 8608 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, (513) 891-6880, meijapaneserestau rant.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

MIYOSHI For too long, Japanese cuisine in America has meant miso soup, sushi and sashimi, and various grilled meats with teriyaki sauce. Yes, you can get excellent versions of all of these at Miyoshi, but what makes this restaurant truly special is the revelation of the true panorama of Japanese cuisine. From ochazuke (tea soup) with umeboshi (a salty-sour pickled plum) to shime saba, marinated mackerel in a delicately pickle-y broth of cucumber and vinegar, there are a dozen items not seen elsewhere. Anyone who enjoys sushi or miso broth has built the foundation to appreciate the rest of this cuisine. Cha soba, green tea noodles with shredded seaweed, chopped scallions, and a sweet and soupy broth, has a satisfying umami note, even served cold, and a pleasing bite with wasabi mixed in. The kinoko itame, sauteed shiitake and enoki mushrooms, is surprisingly buttery and sweet, showing a voluptuous quality rarely associated with this tradition, but a perfect counterpoint to the more austere offerings. 8660 Bankers St., Florence, (859) 525-6564, miyoshirestaurant.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC. $$$

ZUNDO RAMEN & DONBURI A stark contrast to Styrofoam cup soup, chef Han Lin’s ramens are a deep and exciting branch of cuisine, capable of subtlety, variation, and depth.

The simplicity of the dish’s name hides a world of complexity. Zundo uses the traditional Japanese building blocks of flavor—soy sauce, miso, sake, mirin—to create something freewheeling and time-tested. Bowls of ramen come with a marinated soft-boiled egg half, roast pork, green onion, and a healthy serving of noodles. Each has a distinct identity, like the milky richness of the tonkotsu, the rich and buttery miso, or the light and faintly sweet shoyu ramen. A transformative add-in is the mayu, or black garlic oil. Dripped on top of one of the subtler broths, it adds a deep, mushroom-y richness, with the hint of burned flavor that makes barbecue so good. W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 975-0706, zundootr.com.

Lunch Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

MEDITERRNEAN ANDY’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE In this lively joint with a burnished summer lodge interior of wood and stone, even the food is unrestrained: rough-cut chunks of charbroiled beef tenderloin, big slices of onion and green pepper turned sweet and wet in the heat, skewers of marinated and charbroiled chicken perched on rice too generous for its plate. Co-owner Andy Hajjar mans his station at the end of the bar, smoking a hookah pipe that fills the air with the sweet smell of flavored tobacco, while the friendly but hurried staff hustles through. 906 Nassau St., Walnut Hills, (513) 281-9791, andyskabob.com.

Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

Top 10

PHOENICIAN TAVERNA No matter how much restraint you go in with, meals at Phoenician Taverna quick-

ly become feasts. There is just too much that’s good, and everything is meant to be shared. With fresh pita bread continuously arriving from the ovens, and a table of quickly multiplying meze (hummus, falafel, muhammara), there is a warmth and depth to the cooking that envelops you. With such traditional cuisine, you may think there isn’t much left to discover beyond simply executed classics prepared according to time-tested methods. But there are always new discoveries as the flavors mingle from plate to plate: the tabbouleh with the hummus, mixed with a touch of harissa, or the smoky baba ghanoush spooned onto falafel.

Phoenician Taverna keeps taking these classics a little further. 7944 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, (513) 770-0027, phoeniciantaverna.com.

Lunch Tues–Fri, dinner Tues–Sun. MCC. $$

SEBASTIAN’S When the wind is just right, you can smell the garlicky meat roasting from a mile away. Watch owner Alex Sebastian tend to the rotating wheels of beef and lamb, and you understand how Greek food has escaped the American tendency to appropriate foreign cuisines. Sebastian’s specializes in gyros, shaved off the stick, wrapped in thick griddle pita with onions and tomatoes, and served with cool tzatziki sauce. Alex’s wife and daughter run the counter with efficient speed, and whether you’re having a crisp Greek salad with house-made dressing, triangles of spanikopita, or simply the best walnut and honey baklava this side of the Atlantic (often made by the Mrs.), they never miss a beat, turning more covers in their tiny deli on one Saturday afternoon than some restaurants do in an entire weekend.

5209 Glenway Ave., Price Hill, (513) 471-2100, sebas tiansgyros.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. Cash. $

SULTAN’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE The meze, a parade of small plates and appetizers—the refreshing yogurt dish with cucumber, mint, and garlic known as cacik, and its thicker cousin haydari, with chopped walnuts, dill, and garlic—is rounded out with flaky cheese or spinach boureks, falafels, soups, salads, and more, while baked casseroles or stuffed cabbage and eggplant dishes (dubbed “Ottoman specials”) augment the heavy focus on kebabs: chunks of lamb and beef on a vertical spit for the popular Doner kebab (a.k.a. Turkish gyro), peppery ground lamb for the Adana kebab, or cubed and marinated for the Shish kebab. 7305 Tyler’s Corner Dr., West Chester, (513) 847-1535, sultanscincin nati.com. Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$

MEXICAN EL VALLE VERDE Guests with dietary issues, high anxiety, and no Spanish may take a pass, but for hardy souls, this taqueria delivers a memorable evening. Seafood dishes are the star here—ceviche tostadas, crisp corn tortillas piled high with pico de gallo, avocado, and lime-tastic bits of white fish, squid, and crab; the oversized goblet of cocktel campechano, with ample poached shrimp crammed into a Clamato-heavy gazpacho; and simmering sopa de marisco came with langoustines, mussels, crab legs, and an entire fish—enough to feed three. 6717 Vine St., Carthage, (513) 821-5400.

Lunch and dinner seven days. $

HABAÑERO It’s easy to find a cheap burrito place around a college campus, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one as consistently good as Habañero, with its flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean wrapped up in enormous packages. Fried tilapia, apricotglazed chicken breast, hand-rubbed spiced flank ILLUSTR ATIO N BY L AUREN MEIL STRUP

steak, shredded pork tenderloin, or cinnamon-roasted squash are just some of the ingredients for Habañero’s signature burritos. All salsas are house-made, from the smoky tomato chipotle to the sweet-sounding mango jalapeño, which is hot enough to spark spontaneous combustion.

358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, (513) 961-6800, habanerolatin.com.

Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DC, DS. $

MAZUNTE Mazunte runs a culinary full court press, switching up specials to keep both regulars and staff engaged. Tamales arrive swaddled in a banana leaf, the shredded pork filling steeped in a sauce fiery with guajillo and ancho chilies yet foiled by the calming sweetness of raisins. The fried mahi-mahi tacos are finished with a citrusy red and white cabbage slaw that complements the accompanying mangohabañero salsa. With this level of authentic yet fast-paced execution, a slightly greasy pozole can be easily forgiven.

Don’t miss the Mexican Coke and self-serve sangria (try the blanco), or the cans of Rhinegeist and MadTree on ice.

5207 Madison Rd., Madisonville, (513) 785-0000, mazuntetacos.com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sun. MCC. $

NADA The brains behind Boca deliver authentic, contemporary, high-quality Mexican fare downtown. You’ll find a concise menu, including tacos, salads and sides, large plates, and desserts. Tacos inspired by global cuisine include the Señor Mu Shu (Modelo and ginger braised pork) and fried avocado (chipotle bean purée). The ancho-glazed pork shank with chili-roasted carrots comes with a papaya guajillo salad (order it for the table); dreamy mac-and-cheese looks harmless, but there’s just enough of a roasted poblano and jalapeño punch to have you reaching for another icy margarita. 600 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 721-6232, eatdrinknada.com. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner seven days, brunch Sat & Sun. MCC, DS. $$

TAQUERIA CRUZ The menu at this four-table mom-and-pop welcomes you to “a little piece of Mexico.” The huaraches (spelled guarachis here), are flat troughs of thick, handmade fried masa dough the approximate shape and size of a shoeprint, mounded with beans and slivers of grilled beef or chili-red nubs of sausage, shredded lettuce, a crumble of queso fresco, and drizzle of cultured cream. Should you have an adventurous side, you can have your huarache topped with slippery tongue, goat meat, shredded chicken, or pork. There are stews, carne asada plates, and sopes—saucers of fried masa much like huaraches, only smaller. 518 Pike St., Covington,

dining room. 5980 West Chester Rd., West Chester, (513) 860-5353, jags.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC. $$$

Wasson Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-0107, greenpapayacincinnati. com. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner seven days. MCC. $$

JEFF RUBY’S

THAI NAMTIP

Filled most nights with local scenesters and power brokers (and those who think they are), everything in this urban steakhouse is generous—from the portions to the expert service. White-jacketed waiters with floor-length aprons deliver two-fisted martinis and stacks of king crab legs, or mounds of greens dressed in thin vinaigrettes or thick, creamy emulsions. An occasional salmon or sea bass appears, and there’s a small but decent assortment of land fare. But most customers, even the willowy model types, inhale slabs of beef (dry aged USDA prime) like they’re dining in a crack house for carnivores. The best of these is Jeff Ruby’s Jewel, nearly a pound-and-a-half of bone-in rib eye. This is steak tailor-made for movers and shakers. 700 Walnut St., downtown, (513) 784-1200, jeffruby.com. Dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC. $$$$

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE No one has replicated the concept of an expensive boys’ club better than Morton’s. Amid the dark polished woods and white linen, the Riedel stemware and stupendous flower arrangements, assorted suits grapple with double cut filet mignons, 24 ounces of porterhouse, pink shiny slabs of prime rib, overflowing plates of salty Lyonnaise potatoes, or mammoth iceberg wedges frosted with thick blue cheese dressing. Jumbo is Morton’s decree: Oversized martini and wine glasses, ethereal towering lemon soufflés, roomy chairs, and tables large enough for a plate and a laptop. Even steaks billed as “slightly smaller” weigh in at 8 to 10 ounces. 441 Vine St., downtown, (513) 621-3111,

THE PRECINCT

Edwards Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 533-9500, wildgingercincy. com. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sun. MCC, DS. $$

Part of the appeal of the Ruby restaurants is their ability to deliver deep, comfort-food satisfaction. And the steaks. The meat is tender with a rich mineral flavor, and the signature seasoning provided a nice crunch, not to mention blazing heat. The supporting cast is strong—the basket of warm Sixteen Bricks bread with a mushroom truffle butter, the addictive baked macaroni and cheese, the creamy garlic mashed potatoes, the crisp-tender asparagus with roasted garlic and lemon vinaigrette— and dinner ends on a sweet note with a piece of Ruby family recipe cheesecake. Neither cloyingly sweet nor overwhelmingly creamy, it’s a lovely slice of restraint.

311 Delta Ave., Columbia-Tusculum, (513) 321-5454, jeff ruby.com/precinct. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$$

TONY’S He is a captivating presence, Tony Ricci. Best known for his 30 years in fine dining—including the Jeff Ruby empire while managing the venerable Precinct—Ricci has built a life in the hospitality industry. Much of Tony’s menu is right out of a steakhouse playbook: jumbo shrimp and king crab legs from the raw bar; Caprese, Greek, and Caesar salads; sides of creamed spinach, mac-and-cheese, asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms; toppings of roasted garlic or Gorgonzola butters to accompany your center cut of filet mignon. There are boutique touches, though, that make it stand out—a garlic herb aioli with the calamari, steak tartare torch-kissed and topped with a poached egg, a superb rack of lamb rubbed with aromatic sumac and served with mint pesto. 12110 Montgomery Rd., Symmes

STEAKS JAG’S STEAK AND SEAFOOD Chef Michelle Brown’s food is deeply flavored, if occasionally a bit busy, her steaks of the buttery-mild variety, with not too much salty char crust. All seven cuts are served with veal demi-glace and fried onion straws. According to my steak-centric dining partner, his cowboy rib eye is “too tender and uniform” (as if that’s a crime). “I like to wrestle with the bone,” he adds, though that’s a scenario that, thankfully, doesn’t get played out in this subdued

WILD GINGER

mortons.com. Dinner seven days. MCC. $$$

TAQUERIA MERCADO

Eighth St., downtown, (513) 381-0678, tmercadocincy.com.

Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $

Bend Rd., Monfort Heights, (513) 481-3360, thainamtip.com.

Lunch and dinner seven days. MC, V. $

Wild Ginger Asian Bistro’s ability to satisfy a deep desire for Vietnamese and Thai fusion cuisine is evidenced by their signature Hee Ma roll—a fortress of seaweedwrapped rolls filled with shrimp tempura, asparagus, avocado, and topped with red tuna, pulled crab stick, tempura flakes, a bit of masago, scallions, and of course, spicy mayo. It’s tasty, even though the sweet fried floodwall of tempura and spicy mayo overpowered the tuna completely. The spicy pad char entrée was a solid seven out of 10: broccoli, carrots, cabbage, succulent red bell peppers, green beans, and beef, accented with basil and lime leaves in a peppercorn-and-chili brown sauce. 3655

(859) 431-3859. Lunch and dinner seven days. Cash. $

On a Saturday night, Taqueria Mercado is a lively fiesta, with seemingly half of the local Hispanic community guzzling margaritas and cervezas, or carrying out sacks of burritos and carnitas tacos—pork tenderized by a long simmer, its edges frizzled and crispy. The Mercado’s strip mall interior, splashed with a large, colorful mural, is equally energetic: the bustling semi-open kitchen; a busy counter that handles a constant stream of take-out orders; a clamorous, convivial chatter in Spanish and English. Try camarones a la plancha, 12 chubby grilled shrimp tangled with grilled onions (be sure to specify if you like your onions well done). The starchiness of the rice absorbs the caramelized onion juice, offset by the crunch of lettuce, buttery slices of avocado, and the cool-hot pico de gallo. 6507 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield, (513) 942-4943; 100 E.

Classic Thai comfort food on the west side from chef/ owner Tussanee Leach, who grew up with galangal on her tongue and sriracha sauce in her veins. Her curries reign: pale yellow sweetened with coconut milk and poured over tender chicken breast and chunks of boiled pineapple; red curry the color of new brick, tasting of earth at first bite, then the sharply verdant Thai basil leaves, followed by a distant heat. Tom Kha Gai soup defines the complex interplay of flavors in Thai food: astringent lemongrass gives way to pepper, then Makrut lime, shot through with the gingery, herbaceous galangal, all yielding to the taunting sweetness of coconut. Even the simple skewers of chicken satay with Thai peanut sauce are rough and honest, dulcified by honey and dirtied up by a smoky grill. 5461 North

Township, (513) 677-8669, tonysofcincinnati.com. Dinner seven days. MCC, DS. $$$$

THAI GREEN PAPAYA Inside this simple dining room, replete with soothing browns and greens and handsome, dark wood furniture, it takes time to sort through the many curries and chef’s specialties, not to mention the wide variety of sushi on the something-for-everyone menu. When the food arrives, you’ll need only a deep inhale to know you made the right choice. The Green Papaya sushi rolls are as delicious as they look, with a manic swirl of spicy mayo and bits of crabstick and crispy tempura batter scattered atop the spicy tuna, mango, cream cheese, and shrimp tempura sushi—all rolled in a vivid green soybean wrap. 2942

VI ETNAM E S E PHO LANG THANG Owners Duy and Bao Nguyen and David Le have created a greatest hits playlist of Vietnamese cuisine: elegant, brothy pho made from poultry, beef, or vegan stocks poured over rice noodles and adrift with slices of onions, meats, or vegetables (the vegan pho chay is by far the most flavorful); fresh julienned vegetables, crunchy sprouts, and herbs served over vermicelli rice noodles (again, the vegan version, bun chay, is the standout); and bánh mì. Be sure to end with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, a devilish jolt of dark roast and sweetened condensed milk that should make canned energy drinks obsolete. 1828 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 376-9177, pholangthang.com.

Lunch and dinner seven days. MCC, DS, DC. $

SONG LONG The menu does have a substantial Chinese section, but make no mistake, the reason there’s a line at the door on weekend nights is the fine Vietnamese specialties cooked and served by the Le family. Begin with the goi cuon, the cold rolls of moistened rice paper wrapped around vermicelli noodles, julienned cucumbers, lettuce, cilantro, and mung bean sprouts. Or try the banh xeo, a plattersized pan-fried rice crepe folded over substantial nuggets of chicken and shrimp, mushrooms, and wilted mung sprouts. The phos, meal-sized soups eaten for breakfast, are good, but the pho dac biet is Song Long’s best. Crisptender vegetables, slices of beef, herbs, and scallions glide through the noodle-streaked broth. 1737 Section Rd., Roselawn, (513) 351-7631, songlong.net. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. MCC, DC, DS. $ CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, (ISSN 0746-8 210), May 2020, Volume 53, Number 8.

Published monthly ($14.95 for 12 issues annually) at Carew Tower, 441 Vine St., Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202-2039. (513) 421-4300. Copyright © 2020 by Cincinnati Magazine LLC, a subsidiary of Hour Media Group, 5750 New King Dr, Ste 100, Troy, MI 48098. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without permission. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and artwork should be accompanied by SASE for return. The magazine cannot be held responsible for loss. For subscription orders, address changes or renewals, write to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071, or call 1-866-660-6247. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send forms 3579 to CINCINNATI MAGAZINE, 1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

M AY 2 0 2 0 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M 1 1 1

CINCY OBSCURA

Past Lives EVER WALKED THROUGH EDEN PARK and wondered what purpose the abandoned brick and sandstone structure on Martin Drive served? Complete with a castle-like watchtower, a four-story smokestack bearing actual gargoyles, and a tile roof, it looks like it was plucked straight from a princess’s storybook. But the building’s sandstone pediment, with the city’s seal and Cincinnati Water Works carved into it, tells a different story. During the late 1800s, the city hired renowned architect Samuel Hannaford to design the Eden Park Pump Station (above) and the 172-foot-tall Eden Park Standpipe on Cliff Drive (background, right), which together pumped water from a nearby reservoir to expanding neighborhoods like Walnut Hills. Thirteen years after their completion in 1894, the station was decommissioned and replaced by a newer one farther up the Ohio River. The pump station sat vacant for 32 years before the Cincinnati Fire Department converted it into a fire alarm station in 1939, and then, from 1988 to 2004, the Cincinnati Police Department used it as a dispatch center. In 2012, a local developer announced plans to convert it into a brewery but couldn’t raise sufficient funds. What life will it live next? Only time will tell. — K A T I E C O B U R N 1 1 2 C I N C I N N AT I M A G A Z I N E . C O M M AY 2 0 2 0

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEREMY KRAMER

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