March 2016 Vol. 3 | Issue 3 by The Northsider Monthly Newspaper

MARCH 2016 | LIFE & CULTURE 45223

A FREE COMMUNITY PUBLICATION

2 NEWS

5 HAPPENINGS

8 ARTS

12 HISTORY

ANNOUNCING NCC’S

MARCH FAMILY

UNTETHERED: ART

REMEMBERING BRUCK’S,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TRADITIONS AT HAPPEN

GALLERY OPENING

NORTHSIDE’S FIRST BREWERY

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COVER ARTIST

CONTRIBUTORS

WHAT’S INSIDE

EDITOR IN CHIEF AND ART DIRECTOR:

NEWS IN NORTHSIDE: NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY COUNCIL INTRODUCES 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS �� 2 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES �� 3

Leo Pierson D’Cruz and Michelle D’Cruz

WRITERS IN THIS ISSUE: Ollie Kroner, Brandy Jones, Elissa Yancey, Tommy Reuff, Michael Hoffman, Casey Moothart, Brett Kollmann Baker, Hannah Taphorn, Chuck Brown, Ana Bird, William Wolkoff Charlie Harmon, Steve Sunderland, Robert Harris, and Julie Lonneman

NORTHSIDER MANAGEMENT TEAM: Ollie Kroner, Mati Senerchia, Karen Andrew, Jarrett Shedd, Kamall Kimball, Jonathan Sears, Barry Scwartz, James Heller-Jackson, Leo Pierson D’Cruz and Michelle D’Cruz

KATIE DAY GOOD Katie Day Good is an assistant professor of Media, Journalism and Film at Miami University, where she teaches courses in Intercultural Communication and Comparative Media Studies. She and her family moved from Chicago to Northside in 2015. A lifelong lover of art and doodling, Katie feels lucky to live among so many creative neighbors and colorful architectural gems in Northside. More illustrations are available on her blog, www.two-shoes.com.

PAPER ROLLERS:

EDUCATION: WORDPLAY WELCOMES NEW BOARD PRESIDENT �� 4 HAPPEN HAPPENINGS: MARCH MEANS HAPPEN FAMILY TRADITIONS AND MEMORIES �� 5 ENVIRONMENT: OUR FROZEN INVISIBLE NEIGHBORS WILL THRIVE AGAIN �� 6 TIGHTEN THAT HOUSE �� 6

Happen Inc. Volunteers led by Tommy Reuff

SPIRITS: FISH, FRIES, AND REFRESHMENT �� 7

DELIVERY TEAM:

GOINGS ON ABOUT NORTHSIDE: NORTHSIDE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE NEWS �� 7

Kamall Kimball, Riccardo Taylor, Karen Andrews, Sue Wilke, Stephen Davis, SaraLynne Thoresen, ThoraLynne McKinney, Mati Senerchia, Noeli Senerchia, Jacob Walker, Daisy Walker, Evan Hunter-Linville, Owen Hunter-Linville, Lauren & Meredith Shockely-Smith

ARTS AND CULTURE: UNTETHERED: CONTEMPORARY ART OPENING �� 8 AT THE MARKET: ASK A FARMER �� 10 LOCAL PROFILE: HANGIN’ AT MCKIE �� 11

CALL FOR ARTISTS/COVER ART

MISSION STATEMENT

NORTHSIDE HISTORY: A BREWING ARTIFACT ��12

The Northsider is seeking monthly cover art submissions from local artists. Artists will be paid $40 for published covers. All 2 dimensional pieces will be considered. One stipulation of publication is that the piece or a print be donated to The Northsider Annual Art Auction Fundraiser that will help support the paper. If you are interested in having your artwork considered:

As an independent monthly communication, The Northsider’s mission is to engage and inform about life and culture in the Northside Neighborhood. As such, The Northsider is committed to providing timely, quality and informative community news and opinions while embracing the diversity of the neighborhood.

OPINION: THE “SILENT” DISASTER �� 13

Northsider, LLC. is a Nonprofit Limited Liability Company overseen by the Northside Community Council. The Northside Community Council is a volunteer, community-based organization that provides an opportunity for all individuals and groups in the community to participate in Northside’s present and to chart Northside’s future. As such, it is committed to bringing people of diverse backgrounds and opinions together in an atmosphere that fosters cooperation and communication.

EVENTS �� 16

Email: northsidermonthly@gmail.com Subject line: Cover Art Submission

WELLNESS: OVERCOMING THE DREAD OF PUBLIC SPEAKING ��14 SCREEN: HAPPEN’S KID CRITICS �� 15

The Northsider Monthly is published on the first Friday of the month and is distributed to businesses and residents in the 45223 zip code.

SPUN BICYCLES CELEBRATES 3 YEARS! Come celebrate with us. Saturday, March 12th from 10am-9pm 4122 A Hamilton Ave, 45223 | SpunBicycles.com | 513.541.SPUN (7786)

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NEWS IN NORTHSIDE

Introducing the 2016 Northside Community Council Board of Directors We would like to thank all who participated in the recent Northside Community Council Board of Directors elections. Your 2016 Northside Community Council includes: President: Ollie Kroner Vice President: Sue Wilke Treasurer: James Kinsman Board Secretary: Mati Senerchia Council Secretary: Fred Neurohr Communications Director: James Heller-Jackson • Membership Secretary: George Murray • Directors: De’Andre Williams, Jonathan Sears, Mary Jo Minerich, Lauren Shockley, Neha Gupta, and Rian Keller. • • • • • •

We would like to introduce our new board members: De’Andre Williams, Chase Avenue Williams’ hobbies and profession include: Exercising, learning, teaching, business major, and innovating. “I am De’Andre Williams, 35 years of age and a longtime resident of the Northside community. I work for the City of Cincinnati, while attending Indiana Tech, for a bachelors

in Business Administration and Information systems.

personal, local, and immediate for my students and their families.”

I decided to run for community council after a council member told me it would be a great idea to have me on the board. I always wanted to be a part of a community that will consider your ideas and accept you as a productive individual that can provide progression that leads to excelling ideas that can help the community, and Northside is that community.”

Neha Gupta, Blue Rock

Lauren Shockley, Lingo Street 4th/5th Grade Math/Science Teacher at Chase Elementary “I’ve lived in Northside for five years with my wife, Meredith, and two daughters, Saige and Amira. I have spent the last 10 years in education in some way, shape, or form. I ran for council because I thought that teaching at Chase would make me feel that I was impacting my students’ lives but I need to do more. I understand systemic injustice and feel I teach and live as an interrupter; however, I need to narrow my focus in a way that is

“I am a relatively new Northsider who moved back to Cincinnati a year and a half ago. I live on Blue Rock with my cat and salamander. I am currently working as a hydrogeologist with a focus on water resources. I would like to see communities be more resilient and take an active stance in mitigating some of the impacts of climate change. I assisted in the formation of a Sustainability Committee in Northside to bring together different components working throughout the neighborhood, and ran for a board position to strengthen the link between the committee and the community council. I think Northside has great potential to emerge as both a home and a leader in Cincinnati for sustainable initiatives.”

De’Andre Williams

Lauren Shockley

OLLIE KRONER President, Northside Community Council Neha Gupta

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NEWS IN NORTHSIDE

Scholarship Opportunities COMTO Cincinnati to Provide Nearly $10K In Scholarships to Area High School & College Students Interested in studying engineering, management, planning, mechanics or any other transportation related field? We’ve got scholarships for you! The Cincinnati Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) is looking to award several high school and college students in the Greater Cincinnati region with scholarships this spring during its scholarship luncheon on April 21. Scholarships ranging from $750 to $2,500 are available for students pursing or interested in pursuing a career in the transportation sector. This includes fields of study such as engineering, urban planning, logistics, management and mechanics, among many others. “The transportation sector is thriving and can be a very rewarding career choice,” said Cincinnati COMTO President Brandy Jones. “Through

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our scholarship program, we hope to inspire interest in the transportation industry and help develop its future leaders.” Students can apply for the Mallory Humanitarian Scholarship, the First Transit Achievement Scholarship, and the MV Achievement Scholarship. Current COMTO members interested in career development opportunities are invited to apply for the Will Scott Scholarship. The scholarship application deadline is March 31, 2016. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: Visit: http://tinyurl.com/ COMTOApplication. The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) mission is to ensure a level playing field and maximum participation in the transportation industry for all individuals, businesses, and communities through information sharing, training, educational and professional development.

BRANDY JONES, APR Cincinnati Chapter President

EDUCATION

WordPlay Welcomes New Board President I was absolutely intrigued by the passion and engagement of both the young people and the staff and volunteers. It provided a warm, welcoming and lively environment. What drew you toward the organization? My belief in education as the primary and necessary component of community development and improved life opportunities drew me to WordPlay. What surprised and/or surprises you about the organization?

As the Northside-based non-profit draws toward its fifth year, WordPlay is thrilled to announce that Thomas G. Monaco, PhD has taken the reins as Chair of the Board of Directors. Monaco, 74, is a leadership consultant and retired educator. A native of New York, he is an alumna of New York University and earned his PhD from the University of Dayton. Monaco began his teaching career in New York City and worked for 18 years as the principal of Summit Country Day School’s upper school. He also spent 25 years coaching football, wrestling and baseball. He has served as a volunteer consultant with the Executive Service Corps in Cincinnati for nearly a decade. During that time, he has advised dozens of regional nonprofits, including Talbert House, Lighthouse Youth Services, the United Way, Linden Grove School (for autism), Healthy Moms & Babes, and the Social Action team at our Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. He readily agreed to answer a few questions and offer insights about why he took on this new role. 4

When did you know what you wanted to do when you grew up? I took my first job at age 22 after we had just married, and taught where my mother was teaching English. I really didn’t “now what I wanted to do until I had taught and coached that first year and I loved it all. When was the first time you visited Northside? Why did you come and what were your first impressions? Many years ago, we went to the opening of David Falk’s original Boca restaurant. I thought it was like an oldfashioned New York neighborhood. How did you first hear about WordPlay? What were your first impressions? Three years ago, WordPlay co-founder Libby Hunter enrolled in the leadership program I lead. She spoke a lot about the agency, which then was just a year old. The idea and design sounded terrific, and as a lifelong educator, it really appealed to me. What did you think the first time you walked through the doors of WordPlay?

The seemingly endless energy of the two founders and the passion exhibited by both the staff and volunteers is a remarkable and pleasant surprise. The quality of the activities, so far beyond the simple aftercare norm was another, and the work that the students produced in the various programs was also surprising in the best of ways. What are WordPlay’s strengths? Certainly, the vision and passion of the co-founders first and foremost, but also the commitment to serve the community through the educational support of the young people who live in and around this neighborhood. The great staff and volunteers and committed board members are also key strengths. The creative and studentcentric programs are also significant. What is its mission and why? The WordPlay Cincy core values of “Community, Innovation, Transformation and Education” are manifested in its mission statement: “Transforming communities through innovation and education.” The values and mission of a nonprofit provide the direction, purpose and pathway of servant leadership which improves the lives of those in need.

What is your vision for WordPlay over the next year, two years, and five years? In these often challenging times it is generally considered prudent for nonprofits to operate strategically from both a shorter and longer-term vision. In the next year or so, WordPlay’s Board seeks to follow a strategic plan focused on program refinement and development and in resource-building to support those program components. Longer term, the Board sees the growth of the experimentally based WordPlay programs as a model for other communities and regions with whom we hope to collaborate in service to young people and their communities. How can those reading this paper help close the summer education gap in Northside? Why should they? We know that kids lose ground over the summer when they are out of school. The summer and other vacation breaks are always a great challenge and a great opportunity for educators. The WordPlay Cincy website provides both a description of the school-year programs as well as the Saturday and summer programs. All of these efforts can always use the support of the Northside community as well as all Greater Cincinnatians. We welcome everyone to support us with their time, treasure and talents. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: wordplaycincy.org Email: info@wordplaycincy.org Call: (513) 541-0930 Facebook: wordplaycincy

ELISSA YANCEY Past Board Chair, WordPlay Cincy, and a 20+ year Northside resident.

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HAPPEN HAPPENINGS

March Means Happen Family Traditions and Memories Each year we look forward to an action-packed Spring filled with exciting Happen programs, starting with Happen’s Birthday Party. This year Happen is turning 17 with a big, birthday celebration on Saturday, March 12th from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Make your reservation today and get ready for lots of cake and surprises as we take a look back at 17 years of awardwinning programming for families. Happen’s Birthday Party is also the traditional time for our friends to learn what new programs we have in store for the coming year. Happen will celebrate National Puppetry Day on Saturday, March 19 with a traditional pancake and puppet video breakfast at Happen’s Toy Lab. Tommy and Happen volunteers will flip pancakes and serve breakfast from 9 - 10 a.m. The Cincinnati Pupperty Guild will host a series of shows and interactive learning experiences throughout the day including puppet making in the afternoon. Happen’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza, where Happen provides 50 dozen hard-boiled eggs to decorate, will occur 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at Happen’s studio. Each child receives six eggs to decorate with glitter, feathers, and

more. After egg decorating, Happen’s Easter Egg Hunt and Grill Out takes place at the Happen outside space located at 1617 Hoffner Street. Food is served at 1 p.m. and the hunt for more that 2,000 treat-filled eggs begins at 2 p.m. There will also be art activities, giveaways and a chance to meet the master of ceremonies, Happen’s Easter Bunny. Don’t miss the Northside Community Council Safety and Livability tent along with Citizens on Patrol and Cincinnati Police District Five as they provide fun art activities and giveaways. All the March celebrations, including the Easter grill out, are free for families and we invite you to go to Happen’s new website at Happeninc.org to see all the detailed information about our Spring and Summer events. Including new Happen sessions and special Make It activities. A special thanks to all our Happen staff and volunteers, that continue to make Happen a family tradition in Cincinnati. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: www.happeninc.org Call: (513) 751-2345 E-mail: admin@happeninc.org

HAPPEN, INC. Art activities for parents & children 4201 Hamilton Ave (& Chase)

NORTHSIDE, GET OUT AND VOTE! This year, the Ohio primaries are Tuesday, March 15. The polls will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. To find your voting location in Hamilton County go to www.vote411.org or call the Hamilton County Board of Elections or the League of Women Voters (513-281-8683).

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ENVIRONMENT

Our Frozen Invisible Neighbors Will Thrive Again This month we arrive at winter’s anticipated transition to spring. When winter started, we voyaged indoors. Yet, even in the coldest of months, life continues in the most inconspicuous of places: beneath the cold ground. For most of our existence on earth, we have had it relatively easy, at least compared to our hapless neighbors living in the soil. Scientists estimate that over one million individual bacteria call a single gram of soil their home, most of which belong to species yet to be discovered. These disregarded neighbors become entirely inactive as the soil freezes, inhibiting all processes necessary of life. When spring arises they carry-on as if nothing ever happened. It is estimated that there are also 60,000 species of fungi in our soil. These fellows actually perish during the winter, but before they pass, they create spores that are dispersed and will form filamentous networks that allow the nascent individuals to find nutrients and thrive when the soil warms. That is dedicated parenting.

The most interesting winter survival strategy is that of common earthworms. These worms dig to half a foot deep and cover themselves in their own mucus: a process called estivation. Estivation is done by many reptiles, though the mucous sheathing is unique to earthworms. They will emerge when the soil is comfortable enough; some species do not surface until August. Imagine spending four months in the cold-dark covered in your own mucus. Many of us do not think about these creatures throughout the year. Yet, their variegated methods of averting hardship are brilliance to revel in. We decelerate in the winter and have days where each task seems ad infinitum. However, deep beneath our feet the beauty of life continues by diligent organisms diverting harsh conditions for our benefit.

MICHAEL HOFFMAN Michael drinks 4 quarts of coffee before 7 a.m., runs 60-100 miles per week, and spends the rest of his time wishing he did neither of those.

Tighten that House When considering how best to lessen their carbon footprint, most people try to take advantage of some low hanging fruit, like buying less beef or setting the thermostat a little lower. Currently the City of Cincinnati is offering a great way to substantially lower your home’s environmental impact. The Greater Cincinnati Alliance’s Home Performance Program is set up to provide an affordable way to lower the heating and cooling needs for your home. First there is a Home Energy Assessment, and then you decide what you want to do. If you spend at least $1,000 on improvements, the City will foot half of the bill, up to a maximum of $1,500. Even better there is financing available. If you’re sold on the program, then what exactly should you do? Get a new furnace? New windows? Those can be great but to get the most bang for your buck I would recommend: 1) Air sealing and 2) Insulation. And here is why: When you think of heating and cooling a home there are only a few key things that will determine how much you pay (and energy use). For example, it’s winter and it’s 20 degrees outside and you would like it to be 70 in your home. The difference between 20 and 70 is a whopping 50 degrees, so first you need good insulation. Little or no insulation lets the cold from the exterior of your house move right on in. But, also, your home needs to be reasonably airtight. You could have all the insulation in the world but if there is cold air streaming in around window and door frames then

your house is still going to be cold. Also, it would be nice if some sun would shine in and warm things up. So during the winter you want good insulation, good air tightness, and sunlight coming in. Now, consider summer. It’s 85 degrees outside and again you want it 70 in your house. The difference between 85 and 70 is a lot less, and therefore insulation is much less important. In fact, in Florida the building codes require hardly any insulation at all. However, air tightness is still very important. If hot and humid air leaks into your home, your air conditioner is going to run a lot more. Finally it would be nice if the sun did not shine in your home. Thus, during the summer you need good air tightness and no sun shining in through the windows. The conclusion is that air sealing will save energy both during the winter and summer. This, combined with the fact that air sealing is much more affordable than buying new windows, is why I recommend looking into this program if you want to help the environment, be more comfortable and save money in the long run. So check out the Greater Cincinnati Alliance’s website for more information, http://greatercea.org/ residential/incentives/cincinnati/.

CASEY MOOTHART Casey Moothart is a Northside resident who spent a long, long time taping and spray foaming his Northside house as it was being built.

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SPIRITS

GOINGS ON ABOUT NORTHSIDE

FIsh, Fries, and Refreshment

Northside Fourth Of July Parade News

A Guide to Beverage Pairing for the Lenten Season Fish and Lent make for a Friday well spent here in Cincinnati. Whether you’re Catholic or not, Friday fish fries during the Lenten season are a great way to spend some time with family and friends. Not to mention the eats are usually cheap and always delicious! One thing is for certain - no matter which fish fry you attend, you can guarantee an abundance of fried foods. With all that bready, greasy goodness sitting heavy on your tongue, a bright, crisp, and refreshing drink is needed to stand up to that oil without overpowering the delicate fish. With any fried food, the key to a great alcohol pairing is all about scrubbing that heavy fried batter off your palate to prepare yourself for the next flavorful bite. There are two ways to achieve this: Either with high levels of carbonation or with higher levels of acidity (science lesson: Higher levels of acidity in drinks also come from carbonation, which is made up of carbon dioxide and forms carbonic acid which is that sharp sensation on your tongue when you drink something like champagne). The second thing to consider, in addition to that heavy batter, is the fish. Fish, specifically cod or whitefish (which often finds itself battered and slammed onto a platter next to a mound of fries), is light and delicate. That means stay away from those big, dark stouts or heavy red wines, as they will overpower your meal.

more so if they are sparkling, like a fine champagne or even your gas station special sparkling Brut. For the uncarbonated whites, stick with a dry Sauvignon Blanc for a palate cleansing crispness. You might also like an oaky Chardonnay, as the oak flavors will balance out the rich, fatty fried batter.

corporate sponsorships. We face rising expenses, however, and have planned several fundraising efforts which will need your support. There may be one or more upcoming live music events and a possible Parade T-Shirt sale. You can also help by donating at our website www. northsidejuly4.com.

Bright highly carbonated beers also make excellent pairings. If you are feeling monastic, stick with a Belgian Single or Belgian Triple. Their light color and body combined with high carbonation and some alcoholic warmth will have you feeling ready for a second platter of fish in no time If you like keeping with that Belgian tradition and have some money to spend, look for an authentic Lambic. Light body, a bready wheat flavor and a huge kick of sour flavor will have your mouth puckering and ready for more fish on each sip. For some more American leaning beers, one can never go wrong with Pilsners, American Lagers, or Cream Ales. If you are feeling particular frugal, any old American pilsner will do, but for the more refined out there, look for your favorite local breweries pilsner or cream ale.

Our next committee meeting will be Monday Mar. 14, 7PM at Sidewinder. Join us.

Wherever you end up this Fish Fry Friday, don’t forget a nice liquid accompaniment with your meal!

BRETT KOLLMANN BAKER Bret Kollmann Baker is a Northside resident, liquid enthusiast, and Coowner/Chief of Brewing Operations at Urban Artifact.

Planning is underway for the 2016 Northside 4th of July Parade and it promises to be the best ever! It is never too early to start planning YOUR parade entry. Join the fun! One way this parade stands out in the Tri-State area is that it remains “our parade”: a community effort that is all volunteer, with no

FOR QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, OR TO VOLUNTEER: Email: northsideparade@gmail.com.

HANNAH TAPHORN AND CHUCK BROWN Co-Chairs of the 2016 Northside 4th of July Parade Committee.

FarmYourYard

Let me help you grow your own food in your own yard with organic and sustainable gardening techniques. Linda Kreidler/Kreidler Design Call for a consultation: 513.624.0333 or linda@kreidlerdesign.com

Acidic white wines are a great accompaniment to fish fries, even

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ARTS AND CULTURE Typography by Michelle D’Cruz

REVERB ART + DESIGN OPENS IT’S DOORS

“Change is happening regardless and we are ready or not”—Tiffany Massey Massey’s bricks, bling and body adornments seduce with luster and tactility. Her work emanates strength and yet, it begs to be touched. These coveted objects invite the viewer to step ever closer until one’s visual perception of self is reflected back. Tiffany Massey’s work is unapologetic and forcefully positioned as a critical stance on class and race. Through the very nature of reflection, many of her pieces seduce the consumer of art into considering their own socio-economic and socio-cultural positions. 8

“Our lives are a constant reevaluation and maneuvering of identity. That’s where my work lives; in the liminal space between thought and action, between our intentions and our effect on the social world(s) around us.”—Michelle D’Cruz D’Cruz’s work is intense and at times frenetic. Whether drawings or typography, her patterns entwine and overlap until their origins become uncertain. Her prints reference the uncertainty of one’s sense of self and personal (mis) understandings of social standing. Through undulating forms, and enigmatic folds, they speak to the absurd side of human experience. D’Cruz’s work surpasses the boundaries of the 2-dimensional page—imprinting itself on the very architecture of the gallery.

On April 2, 2016, Reverb Art + Design invites the public to attend it’s opening show, Untethered. The exhibition will be curated by Northside’s own, Michelle D’Cruz and will feature the work of Detroit-based Artist, Tiffany Massey. D’Cruz will also present a typographic series in dialog with Massey’s collection. Massey earned her MFA in Metalsmithing at Cranbrook Academy of Art. Her work, inspired by African standards of economic vitality, includes both largescale and wearable sculptures. Massey counts the iconic material culture of 1980’s hip-hop as a major influence in her jewelry. She presents class and race through the lens of an African diaspora, combined with material drawn from her experience in Detroit. D’Cruz holds an MFA in 2D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Her work abstracts forms and patterns to act as language through visual representations of the body, culture, tradition and behavior. Such representations become both signifiers of experience and guides to interpreting work. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: www.reverbartdesign.com Facebook: /Reverb Art + Design 130 W Court St, Second Floor Opening: April 2, 2016, from 6-9 pm THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY

Mixed Media Installations by TIffany Massey

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AT THE MARKET

Ask A Farmer Farmers Market Vendors Give Gardening Tips Farmers in the region have been thinking about their planting plans for a few months now. They have already started seeds and sowed radish and greens in plastic covered rows. Our farmers have to plan early in order to keep food at the market year round and keep their farms running efficiently all summer. As a backyard gardener, you may be equally prepared for this year’s garden, but most of us are just starting to decide what to grow, and haven’t bought our seeds yet. Make sure you go local and support the Northside Grange when you do purchase seeds. To help you plan your 2016 garden, we asked the experts to give some advice. First, we asked farmers to suggest good plants for backyard gardeners to grow. Kate from Carriage House Farm suggests perennial herbs like sage, oregano, and chives. These plants will come back year after year, and, she says, provide loads of culinary value and are low maintenance to grow. Not much tops having fresh

herbs right outside your kitchen door. Mike, from Idyllwild Farm, recommends flavor packed cherry tomatoes. Mike says the cherry varieties are easy to grow with abundant yields. Leaving finicky heirloom varieties to the professionals leads to more success for the novice gardener. Mike notes that cherry tomatoes may also come with a higher price per pound at the market or store due to higher labor costs of picking the small fruit. Next, what should you be doing in your backyard garden in March? Kate says that March is a great time to start cleaning debris, amending with compost, and even planting peas, kale, radish, and other cold-hardy crops. Just make sure to pay attention to the weather and state of your soil. Mike warns that working the soil while it is still wet can cause the soil to clump, making gardening a chore the rest of the season. Test your soil by grabbing a handful and forming a ball in the palm of your hand. If it doesn’t

Cherry tomatoes make good bite sized snacks for kids-in a lunch box or in the garden straight off the vine.

start to crumble when you press a finger in to the ball, it is probably too wet and should be left alone. Good luck with your backyard garden this year and make sure to stop by the market to see what our farmers decided to plant!

ANA BIRD Ana Bird is the Manager of the Northside Farmers Market. She loves to garden, to eat, and learn about regional foods. She also teaches ballet to children in the Greater Cincinnati Area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOURS, PRODUCTS, AND UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT: www.northsidefm.org.

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LOCAL PROFILE

Hangin’ at McKie The squeak of basketball shoes and the pitter-patter of treadmill runners’ feet are common sounds at the McKie Recreation Center. After school, children flood the facility, seemingly filling every square inch of space. On this particular afternoon, a man in a gray blazer hustles in the door and flashes a quick wave at the front desk as he heads toward a changing room. Life stays busy here at 1655 Chase Avenue, and somewhere in the flurry of activity is April Durham, the McKie Center’s service area coordinator. “We are the nucleus of Northside,” Durham says proudly, pointing at the man in the gray blazer who has already disappeared into the locker room. “All types of people walk in. The familiarity around here makes everyone feel safe.” The McKie Center has been in Northside for more than 80 years, Durham explains, and its clientele are like family. “I can see people walk into the rec, and just type their names in without checking their ID,” Durham says. “Everyone who walks through McKie’s doors is like family.” People living in towns with parks and recreation centers feel a stronger sense of community than those living in areas without those facilities, according to research by South University in Savanna Georgia. Durham, who’s been a resident in Northside for 15 years, enjoys running the place that is specifically designed to bind together an already strongly bonded community. You can hardly spend time with Durham without seeing kids tug on her sleeves from the left and the right, peppering her with questions and requests. Durham smiles and patiently answers each of their inquiries.

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If McKie is the heartbeat of this community, then the children are its lungs. McKie is a safe place where Northside kids can come after school to get their homework done, and then let off steam outside, running to the new sprayground (a playground with water sprayers) just footsteps away. More important, from 4:30-5 p.m. every weekday, the McKie Center provides dinner for the Children’s Hunger Alliance, feeding 40-45 children a day. Over the years, Durham has met hundreds of children, and she says she loves when older kids come back to visit. “They tend to come back and reminisce on their experiences,” Durham says. “I’m seeing generations now… it’s kind of neat. Helping these kids grow up, and seeing those kids have an appreciation for McKie reminds me how important this place is.”

CRAFTED COFFEES

V I S I T YO U R N E I G H B O R H O O D ESPRESSO BAR

OPEN DAILY Monday—Friday 7—6pm Saturday—Sunday 8—5pm

4037 HAMILTON AVENUE

From a basketball court to a workout room, McKie offers a lot of exercise space in its modest two-story layout, which includes two activity breakout rooms on each of its floors. On the main level, teens hang out in a front lounge; downstairs, another breakout room is perfect for dance classes and programs for elderly residents of the neighborhood. While the generations come and go, running McKie remains a fun challenge for Durham. “I can’t explain it in one sentence,” Durham says, trying to sum up what she feels about this place. “Each day is different. No two days are alike.”

WILLIAM WOLKOFF William Wolkoff graduated from the University of Cincinnati in May 2015 and currently works for FOX19.

NORTHSIDE HISTORY

A Brewing Artifact As Northside’s new church-turned-brewery Urban Artifact continues churning suds out of their tanks on Blue Rock, the timing is just right to look back at Northside’s first brewery, Brucks. When John C. Bruckmann came to Northside in 1847, then called Cumminsville, he didn’t have his plans set on beer. According to Jim Bruckmann, son of William Bruckmann, the brewery’s last president, his great-grandfather came to Cincinnati with a flock of German immigrants to work as a barrel maker. After marrying, he settled in the countryside along the Miami-Erie Canal, now Central Parkway, and made barrels for Kauffman Brewery. He started out brewing in the basement of his farmhouse with hops he raised on the farm.

“On Sundays his friends would come from Over The Rhine to drink homemade beer on the porch,” Bruckmann said. As the demand for beer grew, John Bruckmann officially established the brewing company in 1856 at the intersection of Ludlow Ave. and Streng Street, on the site of his original farmhouse. In its early days, the business was very out-of-the-house in nature. According to Dann Woellert in his book “Cincinnati’s Northside Neighborhood,” the first 15 years of records were kept in his native German tongue and filled with deals you would never find today, like a trade of a beer keg for meat and chickens. It wasn’t until almost two decades past the turn of the century, after the business

had been passed down into a new generation of the family, that Brucks began to modernize. In 1917 they replaced their old wooden brew tanks with costly glass-lined fermenters, allowing them to brew several varieties of beer at once. In the 20’s they established a bottling plant, helping to meet growing demands that eventually spread out across 17 states. What made that possible, in light of Prohibition when even the biggest breweries in town like Moerlein and Windisch-Mulhauser had closed, was the small line of non-alcoholic beverages they sold during the ‘20s and early ‘30s. They sold a beer called “The Aristocrat” which met the legal limit of half a percent of alcohol, and which Jim said was actually quite popular. They also sold root beer and a cereal malt beverage for nursing mothers — a two percent alcohol tonic which was sold by prescription for medical purposes only.“They were the only brewery that made it through prohibition making near-beer,” said Steve Hampton, executive director of the Over-The-Rhine Brewery District.

to largely undersell local breweries, Brucks was among the dozens that closed. “One by one the local breweries couldn’t compete with the size and lower prices of the national breweries,” he added. The board outvoted Jim’s father, the only one who wanted to keep the brewery going, and sold ownership in 1949. However, the old building still stands and the “Bruckmann, 1856” sign is still visible on the left just before driving across the Ludlow Viaduct into Northside.

CHARLIE HARMON

At the end of prohibition, Brucks was also the first brewery to begin distributing beer again, shipping out fresh batches the minute after midnight on April 7, 1933. “My dad said the trucks lined up over the Ludlow Ave. Viaduct that day to get to the brewery to pick up the good stuff,” said Jim Bruckmann. “’33 and ’34 were huge years. The other breweries took years to get going again, if they did at all.” After beginning to sell “the good stuff” again, the brewery kept alive for 16 years. As national breweries began

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OPINION

The “Silent” Disaster of Black Cancer in Cincinnati “My motive in writing...is...to awaken in the breasts of the afflicted, degraded and slumbering brethren, a spirit of inspiring and investigation respecting our misuse and wretchedness in the Republican Land of Liberty.”--- David Walker (1829)

“WE WHO BELIEVE IN FREEDOM CANNOT REST UNTIL IT COMES.”-BERNICE JOHNSON REAGON (1981) The latest news out of Flint, Mich. defies imagination. Over the past two years families have been poisoned by lead contaminated water even though the governmental officials were aware of the danger. Cincinnati has a similar history of ignoring health needs of its population; especially the poor, minorities, and women. And especially in terms of preventing and treating cancer. The statistics about death from cancer are devastating: Non-existent or untimely treatment has resulted in a 20 year life expectancy gap between blacks and whites; black women now have the same incidence of breast cancer but worse results in terms of surviving; black men and women have sub-

stantially more death from cancer than whites in Cincinnati: black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer, twice as likely to die of cervical cancer; black men are twice as likely to die of prostate cancer. There is no public or private recognition of the plight of minorities, the poor, and women with cancer. There is a program that can turn these statistics around through timely education, screening, and treatment: the Lay Patient Navigator Program. Developed by Harold Freeman, MD, at Harlem Hospital in New York City, it proved so effective that a cancer patient navigator law was passed by Congress and signed by Pres. George W. Bush. It called for pilot programs to evaluate how death from cancer can be reduced when lay people from the community, trained by Dr. Freeman, accompany a possible cancer victim to an early screening and to rapid treatment. Dr. Freeman, an African-American, a noted surgeon and former president of the American Cancer Society, developed the program because he realized that too many black people were dying because treatment was too late in the development of their

cancer. His contribution led to possible success in treatment through early detection. In just five years, with a Lay Navigation Program, Dr. Freeman and his Lay Navigators, reduced cancer by 70 percent. In April of last year, Dr. Freeman was invited by the Peace Village Cancer Project to Cincinnati. He spoke to representatives of all of the cancer programs as well as discussed the ways in which social agencies could provide the staff for a Lay Navigation Program. There was general agreement that Dr. Freeman’s approach was outstanding and could be tried in Cincinnati. At this same meeting, Dr. Electra Paskett, cancer researcher at the James Cancer Center, Ohio State University Medical Center, backed up Dr. Freeman’s program with a description of the effectiveness of Lay Navigation Programs around the country. Many of the social agencies at the conference agreed to participate, including the FreeStore Food Bank, Churches Active in Northside, AMOS, the American Cancer Society, Christ Church Cathedral, the United Way, the Center for Independent Living, the Homeless Coalition, the school of

nursing, Xavier University, the school of social work, University of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Health Department. A proposal calling for a Lay Patient Navigation Program was developed with the cooperation of Closing the Health Gap and the Peace Village Cancer Project. Presented to the Hamilton County Commissioners, the proposal was turned down, 2 to 1. Only Commissioner Todd Portune supported the start of a pilot program. Now, the Peace Village Cancer Project is continuing to seek funds for Lay Patient Navigators to work with a “village” of agencies in our city that are willing to work toward education, screening and treatment of low income, minorities, and women.

STEVE SUNDERLAND AND ROBERT HARRIS Steve Sunderland is the director of the Peace Village Cancer Project and Robert Harris is the chair of the board of the Peace Village. For more information write steve.c.sunderland@icloud.com

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WELLNESS

Overcoming the dread of public speaking When asked to speak in front of a group, do your palms get sweaty? Does your face turn red or your heart start pounding? If so, you are not alone. Fear of public speaking, a form of performance anxiety, is the most common of all phobias, more common than the fear of spiders or snakes, or even the fear of death. People can, and often do, protect themselves from these uncomfortable feelings by avoiding public speaking. They may choose college courses that don’t involve speaking, pass up promotions and assignments that require speaking, or even allow this fear to unduly influence their choice of career. The good news is that there are ways to overcome this phobia. With the help of a skilled practitioner, an approach such as Neuro Linguistic Programming can literally change the way one thinks (both consciously and unconsciously) about speaking in public. Another approach is to join a group such as Toastmasters, a safe and

supportive venue for practicing the art of public speaking. A local chapter of this worldwide organization meets here in Northside at Future Life Now located at 4138 Hamilton Ave.

“The room would go dark as I tried to stay conscious,” said Allen. “I felt like I was speaking from a tunnel and my mouth would be so dry I could hardly get the words out.”

At a recent Toastmasters meeting, participants were asked to articulate how becoming more comfortable with public speaking has opened doors for them.

While it has been years since she was that stressed, her recent experience with Toastmasters is giving her a chance to become better at casual communication, as well as at delivering a better openings to the frequent talks she gives.

“If I can do Toastmasters, anyone can do it,” said Will Serrato, who was born and raised in Colombia. For him, practicing English in a small supportive environment gives him the confidence to speak English at work and in social settings. “My well-being has been tremendously impacted by Toastmasters,” said participant Lourdes Ribera. “I went from nervous to confident as I took advantage of the speaking opportunities. And the changes in me transferred to other parts of my life. Improvement in speaking helped my career opportunities as well as with a general ability to overcome obstacles.” Cynthia Allen, who joined the group recently, described her early history with speaking.

“The nonjudgmental environment makes me wish I had joined a long time ago,” said Allen. Toast-N-Talk Toastmasters meets at noon on the second and fourth Tuesdays. Club president Steve Grant invites visitors to drop in and see for themselves the benefits of the Toastmasters. Meanwhile, imagine that the next time you are asked to make a toast, give a committee report, or represent your viewpoint at a meeting, you pause, take a calming breath and then speak with ease. Fear of public speaking can be overcome.

Help for overcoming phobias, addictions and PTSD Call PRIVATE SESSIONS IN NEURO LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING

Larry Wells, M Div, MSW, CADC

4138 HAMILTON AVENUE, CINCINNATI, OH 45223

541-5720 to book a session or register for a class.

JULIE LONNEMAN Julie Lonneman is an artist, graphic designer and illustrator with longstanding ties to Northside. During her college years, she somehow wriggled out of the speech class requirement. She is finding it easier these days to speak in front of a group without anxiety.

NORTHSIDE, GET OUT AND VOTE! This year, the Ohio primaries are Tuesday, March 15. The polls will be open on March 15 from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. To find your voting location in Hamilton County go to www.vote411.org or call the Hamilton County Board of Elections or the League of Women Voters (513-281-8683).

UPCOMING CLASSES Balance, Posture and Power for 65+ WEDNESDAYS, 3/23 - 4/27 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Soft Butter Neck: a Feldenkrais® series MONDAYS, 3/28 - 4/25 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. Better Working Knees and Hips THURSDAYS, 3/31 - 4/21 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Details at futurelifenow.com

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SCREEN

Happen’s Kid Critics Age 8-12 THE BRADY KIDS: THE COMPLETE ANIMATED SERIES

Happen’s Kid Critics offer their esteemed opinions on The Brady Kids: The Complete Animated Series. The release marks the first time the classic cartoon from 1972 has ever appeared on DVD. The show, which graced the small screen during the run of the liveaction family sit-com, focused on the exploits of the six Brady children and their collection of animal friends.

The original cast members gave voice to their animated counterparts, but the series was best known for its groovy appeal along with its ability to send the siblings on any number of outrageous and downright loony adventures, which included special guests Superman, the Lone Ranger, and Wonder Woman. The real question is, does the series hold up for contemporary audiences? -TT Stern-Enzi Each month, Happen’s Kid Film Critics received their own official Happen film critic packet and a press badge. TT Stern-Enzi, Cincinnati film critic, provided insight about the film and guided the children as they wrote this month’s film reviews. Read the reviews below, and be sure to watch - The Brady Kids - The Complete Animated Series

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I didn’t like the picture that much. I love how they made the songs. I liked the adventures. I liked the jokes. I liked the pandas, Ping and Pong. - Cole Compared to the Brady Bunch, it was not the same in my opinion. It’s super good! - Oscar I thought that majority of the jokes were cheesy and obvious, and it was very cartoonish, even for a cartoon. I found the characters perennially cheerful voices very annoying and it lacked subtle nuances or anything beneath the thin surface of bad jokes and irrelevant, nonsensical singing. The plots also didn’t make much sense, they seemed more like a series of anecdotes than one big storyline, especially in the first two episodes, and they just sort of plodded along. They didn’t really have exciting bits, and it was hard to take the characters seriously (even when they were being serious ) because they’re smiling, literally, all the time. Although all the things I just complained about, I guess, are to be expected, because in 1972, there was very little else in the way of good cartoons for kids. - Eliza Families will bond over this series because it will remind them of their childhood. It may not be as good as the original Brady Bunch series, but it will surely bring back memories. - Henry

EVENTS 03.06.16 / Spiritual Powers Figures Sculpture Exhibit Join Anne Straus for the opening reception of her sculpture exhibit. 3-5 pm. Ruth’s Parkside Cafe: 1550 Blue Rock St, Cincinnati, OH 45223. 03.08.16 / Northside Library Games Galore! Legos, board games, card games and Wii games! Ages 3-6. 10:00 am. 03.09.16 / Northside Library Preschool Story time! Enjoy books, songs and activities while building early literary skills. Ages 3-6. 10:00 am. 03.12.16 / Dramakinetics: Drama Saturday Each month Dramakinetics presents an interactive blend of performance and writing for children grades k-8 at no cost. 12:00-2:00 pm. 4222 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223

03.16.16 / Northside Library Preschool Story time! Enjoy books, songs and activities while building early literary skills. Ages 3-6. 10:00 am. 3.17.16 / A Voice for the Innocent Benefit Concert Come raise money and awareness for A Voice for the Innocent—an organization that dedicated to supporting victims of abuse. Concert lineup includes: Founding Fathers, Go Go Buffalo, Colors in Mind, Expeditions, The Sleeping Kings, Forest Fox, and John Bobinger. Show begins at 7 pm. $10 at the door. Bogart’s: 2621 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 03.17.16 / Northside Library Spring Party! Enjoy activities, crafts and balloon sculptures from Looney Balooney. All ages. 4:00 pm.

03.19.16 / Happen Inc Celebrates National Puppetry Day Happen Inc and the Cincinnati Area Puppetry Guild team up to bring puppetry craft and pan-cakes to your family! 9:00 am: Pancakes and Videos 10:00 am: Cincinnati History in the puppetry world 10:30-11:00 am: Puppet Show with Richard Brown of Puppets and Such 11:00-11:30 am: International Showcase Presents “Puppetry Show and Tell” private collection 11:30-12:00 pm: Puppet show with Linda Mason Marionettes 12:00-5:00 pm: Make your own Puppet at Happen Inc. 4201 Hamilton Ave. 03.19.16 / Birth Art Katie Brenner, childbirth educator, doula and artist, will be creating a nurturing space to explore the birthing process for women and their families through art. Registration fee: $20 including all materials. 12:45. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center 4244 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223 03.19.16 / SciFi Saturday at WordPlay Every third Saturday kids K-8 have an opportunity to engage critical thinking skills while explor-ing scientific principles that inspire our own original works of science fiction writing at no cost. 12:00-2:00 pm. 4041 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45223 03.21.16 / Northside Library Evening Arts! Create an Easter craft! All ages. 4:00 pm. 03.23.16 / Northside Library Preschool Story time! Enjoy books, songs and activities while building early literary skills. Ages 3-6. 10:00 am.

03.23.16 / Northside Library Afternoon Art! Create an spring craft together. All ages. 4:00 pm. 03.26.16 / Northside Library Family Movie! Enjoy It’s the Ester beagle, Charlie Brown! All ages. 3:00 pm 03.26.16 / WordPlay closed for Spring Break 03.29.16 / Kermit’s Crazy Crew Spring Break Day Camp Discover spring with Cincinnati Parks at LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Preserve. Activities include musical performances, live animal presentations, nature hikes and springtime crafts. Ages: K-3. Registration begins at 9:00 am 03.28.16: $25 per camper. LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Preserve: 5400 Lanius Lane Cincinnati, OH 45224. 04.02.16 / Untethered: Contemporary Art Gallery Opening Featuring artists Tiffany Massey and Michelle D’Cruz. 6:00-9:00 pm. Reverb Art + Design: 130 W Court St, Cincinnati, OH.

ONGOING EVENTS AT THE CINCINNATI ENRICHMENT CENTER 4244 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati OH 45223 Belly Dancing Learn to connect to the feminine aspect of strength, and find your power and confidence at any stage of life. Babies worn in slings wel-come. Every Saturday 11:15 am. $10 per class. Work and Play Pilot Program Parents working from home can enjoy a small co-working space and onsite childcare to engage you with your little ones while you get some tasks completed. Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30 am-12:30 pm. $10 per hour. THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY

3416 Clifton Ave, 45220 513-961-2998 www.cliftonumc.com @CliftonUMCOhio Progressive Faith Community - All Are Welcome - Sunday Worship 10:30 AM

Palm Sunday March 20 Jesus Christ Superstar Sing Along at the Esquire Theatre Holy Week Evening Services Freedom Seder (Wednesday), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday Easter Sunday March 27 6:30 AM Sunrise @ Mt. Storm, 8:30 Child-Friendly Service, 10:30 Festival Celebration

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