MAY 2016 | LIFE & CULTURE 45223
A FREE COMMUNITY PUBLICATION
2 NEWS
4 EDUCATION 10 SUSTAINABILITY 15 DEVELOPMENT
NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY
TELLING OUR STORIES,
GREENING NORTHSIDE:
APPLE STREET
COUNCIL UPDATES
SUMMER STYLE
CREATIVE BUILDING
MARKET UPDATES
Visit Cincinnati’s ONLY
GREEN DENTAL OFFICE*
A RT + DE SIG N
Keeping Northsiders smiling since 1982!
Thielen Dental Practice
Christopher Thielen, D.D.S. LLC General Dentist Cosmetic, Implant & Family Dentistry 513 541-5655 4254 Hamilton Avenue www.CincyDental.com
* Environmentally conscientious: Proud to be the only OHIO-EPA DEED GOLD AND GREEN compliant dental office in Cincinnati!
Join Our Loyalty Card Program Shop with us in April, and you could win swag to Spun Bicycles!
Brokering Fine Homes Since 1946
Emily Buzek Valentino Sales Vice President
2716 Observatory Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 Cell (513) 602-7414 E-mail evalentino@comey.com
Every Wednesday 4-7pm, Rain or Shine “Northside’s most prolific Realtor” – Cincinnati Enquirer, June 2013
North Presbyterian Church www.northsidefm.org
comey.com THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
COVER ARTIST
CONTRIBUTORS
WHAT’S INSIDE
EDITORS IN CHIEF:
NEWS IN NORTHSIDE: NORTHSIDE COMMUNITY COUNCIL ��������������������������� 2 NORTHSIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ����������������������� 2
Leo Pierson D’Cruz and Michelle D’Cruz
NORTHSIDER MANAGEMENT TEAM: Ollie Kroner, Mati Senerchia, Karen Andrew, Jarrett Shedd, Kamall Kimball, Jonathan Sears, Barry Schwartz, James Heller-Jackson, Leo Pierson D’Cruz and Michelle D’Cruz
PAPER ROLLERS: Happen Inc. Volunteers led by Tommy Reuff
DELIVERY TEAM:
JOHN AGNEW John Agnew earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UC’s DAAP and has lived in Northside for nearly 30 years. His 20,000 square feet of murals can be seen around town; at the Museum Center’s Ice Age and Cavern exhibits, in the Cincinnati Zoo as background habitats for Night Hunters and Jungle Trails, and murals at Miami-Whitewater and Sharons Woods parks. His nearest mural is in the Trailside Museum in Burnett Woods, and the most distant is in Moscow, Russia. The cover is from the painting, “Spring Encounter,” 15” x 19” acrylic on canvas (1997), and is more typical of John Agnew’s studio work. It shows an Eastern Box Turtle, with every wrinkle and scale, a blooming Lady’s Slipper orchid, and a copperhead resting nearby. John specializes in reptiles, and his exhibit of scratchboard art all about Crocodiles is currently touring museums in the U.S.
CALL FOR ARTISTS/COVER ART The Northsider is seeking monthly cover art submissions from local artists. 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: Email: northsidermonthly@gmail.com Subject line: Cover Art Submission
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
EDUCATION: CHASE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ����������������������������������� 3 TELLING OUR STORIES, SUMMER-STYLE ������������������ 4 HAPPENINGS: HAPPEN SPRINGS INTO ACTION ��������� 5 SPIRITS: APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY ��������������� 6 NEW IN NORTHSIDE: TICKLE PICKLE ����������������������� 6
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
GIVING BACK: GATHER YOUR TEAM FOR A GOOD CAUSE ��������������� 7 RUN/WALK TO SUPPORT CARACOLE ����������������������� 7
The Northsider Monthly is published on the first Friday of the month and is distributed to businesses and residents in the 45223 zip code.
SUSTAINABILITY: GREENING NORTHSIDE �������������� 10
MISSION STATEMENT
ENVIRONMENT: GUIDED WILDFLOWER WALK ������������������������������������� 8 MADE IN THE SHADE �������������������������������������������������� 9
AT THE MARKET: 2016 OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET �����������������������12 AT THE PLAYGROUND: IT TAKES A COMMUNITY �������13
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.
DEVELOPMENT NEST SECURES NOFA FUNDING �������������������������������� 14 APPLE STREET MARKET UPDATES ��������������������������� 15
Northsider, LLC. is a Nonprofit Limited Liability Company overseen by the Northside Community Council. The Northside Community Council is a volunteer, communitybased 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.
WELLNESS: HOW GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH? ��������� 18
COMMUNITY: NORTHSIDE WALKS WITH CAIN ����� 16 OPINION: BRIDGES TO ACCESS �������������������������������� 17
SCREEN: HAPPEN’S KID CRITICS ���������������������������� 19 EVENTS ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 20
1
NEWS IN NORTHSIDE
Northside Community Council Chase Elementary will Become Arts and Culture School Cincinnati Public School recently announced that Chase Elementary is one of seven City schools that will be “remade.” CPS announced the school will have a renewed emphasis on arts and culture beginning in 2017. This announcement comes as part of a CPS effort to strengthen neighborhood schools.
EcoDistrict Sustainability Grant
Blue Rock Construction
Northside/Cincinnati was awarded a scholarship to participate in a Spring EcoDistrict Sustainability workshop. Members of Community Council, Business Association, NEST, and City Staff will be heading to Portland, Oregon to learn strategies to build and preserve equitable, resilient, sustainable neighborhoods.
You may have noticed the construction on Blue Rock lately. This is part of the $4.3M Northside Arterial Project, which is trying to bring roadway, bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Colerain Avenue from the I-74 exit ramp to Blue Rock Street; and along Blue Rock Street from Colerain Avenue to Spring Grove Avenue. This project is also planned to return the Colerain – Spring Grove – Elmore triangle to two way traffic.
Next Meeting - The next meeting of the Northside Community Council will be May 16, 7PM at McKie Recreation Center, 1655 Chase. You can find frequent updates on our facebook page. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.northside.net.
OLLIE KRONER President, Northside Community Council
Northside Business Association It’s that time of year again folks, we are just several short months away from that Annual Northside Fourth of July Parade and Festival and Northside Rock and Roll Carnival!!! Plans are already in the works and this year’s events shall be bigger and better than before!!! The event is scheduled this year for Friday July 1st, Saturday the 2nd, Sunday the 3rd, and Monday the 4th! Live band line-up Friday through
2
Sunday nights! As always we would love to staff this event with loyal volunteer Northsiders as those are our best ambassadors to showcase our growing community! We are also interested in any other Northside activities that will be held in conjunction with that weekend. Anyone wishing to submit information on any other Northside events or promotions for that weekend, let us know now!
Rock and Roll Carnival information can be found at www.northsiderocks.com and Fourth of July Parade info can be found at www.northsidejuly4.com. Please, anyone interested needs to reach out to us now as we have many details yet to finalize as we get closer to the event. Don’t forget to check Facebook and Twitter too!
of bands for this year’s event soon! Start spreading the word that we are back again this year with another block buster show for the entire tristate…..and it can only happen in Northside! Thanks to all of you that support this regional event!
Check the websites above for updates as they unfold and we will be releasing our featured all start line up
President, Northside Business Association
JIM SWAFFORD
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
EDUCATION
Chase Elementary School: Northside’s Hidden Treasure Eight years ago, things looked grim for Chase Elementary School in the community of Northside. Chase was faced with many challenges ranging from poverty and lack of resources, to high suspension rates, low staff morale, poor school culture and lack of parent participation. In the 200708 school year, Chase was labeled as a turnaround school due to its status of being in Academic Emergency, identified as one of 16 of Cincinnati Public School’s lowest performing schools. In addition to this, less than 20 percent of the students with disabilities scored proficient on state testing. Value-added scores were well below expectancy. This status ultimately made Chase an EdChoice school which provided scholarships to students who attend the state’s lowest-rated public schools to be used toward tuition at participating private schools of their choice. In an effort to turn Chase around, Principal Lynsa C. Davie was hired to begin the work in 2008. Principal Davie underwent a Turnaround Program out of the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business to assist in her efforts to revitalize the school’s performance. After three
years of implementing the strategies used from the program, the school began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Chase moved two categories on the state report card to Continuous Improvement, at least 60 percent of students with disabilities scored proficient or higher on state testing and the value-added data was at or above the expected growth in reading and math. There was also a significant decrease in student suspensions and disciplinary infractions and staff morale increased while sustaining employment positions. Out of the 16 identified schools that underwent the Turnaround process, Chase was one of seven schools that met the criteria of the data that supported Turnaround schools. Principal Davie, along with six other principals, was credentialed by the University of Virginia as a Turnaround Specialist. This increase in performance removed Chase from being on the state list of failing schools and became one of the district’s highest-performing neighborhood schools. The continued growth that was made also gained Chase the prestigious honor of being
Serving Northside lunch + dinner Monday–Friday & dinner Saturday ENJOY OUR NEW OUTDOOR PATIO!
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
Lynsa Davie, principal, Chase Elementary School
identified by the Ohio Department of Education as a High Progress School of Honor in 2014. Chase was one of three schools in Ohio and the only school in the Cincinnati Public Schools’ system to be awarded with such a momentous accolade.
reflection of the neighborhood in which it serves as well as a hub for specialized programming to attract and cultivate the enriching opportunities for students while continuing to progress in the pedagogy of academic achievement.
Taking its progress to another level, Cincinnati Public Schools and the members of the Local School Decision Making Committee (LSDMC) unanimously decided to implement a new program in 2016-17 school year as a part of the district’s new Vision 20/20: My Tomorrow initiative. This special program will be rolled out over the next two years with a direct focus on Arts and Culture with the following tentative programs to come: Dynamic Arts Curriculum of Music, Study of World Cultures, Collaborative Residencies and performance projects with accomplished artists both local and international. The program will help to serve as a
LYNSA DAVIE
3
EDUCATION
Telling our stories, Summer-style
Use your words! WordPlay Artist-in-Residence Desirae Hosley prepares for the first day of her summer poetry workshop, marking the occasion with a selfie.
Children, teens, and grown-ups stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a wide circle. Some looked at their shoes. One little girl giggled to her friend next to her, while others made friendly eye contact across the group. One by one, each shared the high point of their day together. This unlikely troupe of elementary school students, teenagers volunteering precious summer afternoons, and grown-up tutors giving a few hours each week to guide students through a summer learning experience, is “Connecting the Dots.” A daily closing ritual at WordPlay Cincy’s Summer Scholars program, students, volunteers and staff reflect on their high points of the day, learning about each other, and a little more about themselves. They discovered everyday things they have in common, all the while pulling the threads that connect them just a bit tighter, each taking turns weaving the social fabric of this learning community. All were learning something new about their Summer Scholars friends that day 4
last July, friends who happened to range in age from 6-72. They learned that what made one little boy happy about his walk to the community garden is exactly the same thing that a 58-year-old volunteer likes best about her neighborhood. They learned that Drop Everything and Read time was one quiet little girl’s favorite part of her afternoon and - surprise! - it was her tutor’s favorite part of the day too. They learned that one high school volunteer liked illustrating the story she wrote with her student best of all that day. Everyone nodded in appreciation. For Summer Scholars, as for all its programs, WordPlay crafts a blend of the Five Elements of its transformative approach: Personal Development, Community Building, Innovative Approaches to Learning, Creative Expression, and Future Orientation. Students learn about themselves, grow healthy relationships, learn experientially, build confidence through self-expression, and set their sights on future accomplishments. WordPlay will be expanding its
Summer Scholars program from 6 to 8 weeks, with sessions beginning June 6. Students entering first grade through eighth grade can enroll in the free program for 2 or 4 days each week, meeting Mondays - Thursdays. Summer Scholars 2016 will include a summer-long PhotoVoice project for all students, using digitial photography to document aspects of their individual identities as well as their shared daily experiences. The weekly lineup includes regular trips to the public library and Farmer’s Market, artmaking visits from Visionaries + Voices, a walking excursion led by an outdoor educator, daily reading time, and lots of reflective writing to deepen their work through PhotoVoice. WordPlay Saturdays will continue in full force this summer June 11 - July 23 with drop-in programs from 12 - 4 pm for students in grades K - 8. The Young Writers Circle meets from 12 - 2 pm, hosting a fun array of guest teaching artists, and from 2- 4 pm is Drop Everything and Read time along with homework tables where kids can work on that pesky summer homework, or just have fun diving into educational enrichment activities. WordPlay has made ground-breaking strides with hundreds of local teenagers since its founding in 2012, and this summer offers two unique writing and spoken word opportunities for high school students. New this year is an exiting collaboration between WordPlay, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Chase Public and the biennial Foto Focus photography exhibit. Teens ages 13 and up can join this poetry and spoken word workshop that will be held for 8 weeks on Mondays from 3-5 pm starting June 6, where they’ll
work under the guidance of WordPlay Artist-in-Residence Desirae Hosley and Chase Public Executive Director, Scott Holzman. Students will first create poems in response to local early 20th century photographs from the Museum Center’s archive, and then take their writing to the microphone, transforming the written to spoken in front of a citywide audience in celebration of Foto Focus in October, 2016. And now celebrating its fourth year, WordPlay’s WordUP program continues its summer writing workshop for teenagers, this year under the direction of WordPlay Writer-in-Residence and Cincinnati Poet Laureate, Pauletta Hansel. WordPlay is honored to announce another new collaboration with The Mercantile Library, who will host the 8-week writing experience on Wednesday afternoons (exact time TBD). WordUP Summer Edition is open to teens from across the city of all writing levels - you do not need to be a school-year WordUP student to join in, and students from all schools are welcome. As with Summer Scholars, teen workshops are also free, but space is limited. WordPlay is always looking for energetic, dedicated individuals who believe in making a real difference for our kids - volunteer trainings are held the third Saturday of each month at WordPlay. To learn more about volunteering or how to enroll a student, please visit the website, www.wordplaycincy.org, email info@wordplaycincy.org, or call 513-541-0930.
LIBBY HUNTER Co-Founder and Executive Director of WordPlay Cincy THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
HAPPEN HAPPENINGS
Happen Springs Into Action Happen’s outdoor projects are in full swing for spring as we prepare for all the outdoor events in Happen’s gardens. In addition to managing and growing produce in the CAIN garden located next to the CAIN Food Bank, Happen has three of its own neighborhood gardens in Northside. At the Happen Flower Garden located at 1618 Chase Ave., families can stop in and relax, read a book, eat lunch or just smell the roses in this refreshing neighborhood oasis. Happen’s Do Goods Garden, our vegetable garden located at 4012 Gulow St., is under the second phase of construction this season. Last year Happen made a commitment to remodel the garden not only to make it wheelchair accessible but also as a showcase for the new and innovative ways in which urban gardens can be accessible, sustainable, and educational resources to promote healthy communities. Just last month Happen installed a 1,500 gallon underground water collection system in the Happen Do Goods Garden that will collect rain water from the surface and will distribute it through an above ground irrigation system as part of phase two of the construction continuing this summer.
relationship with Cincinnati State this year and show our Happen teens a clear path from our gardens to a horticulture degree and a possible career focused on nature”, said Happen, Inc. director, Tommy Rueff. A walking, wagon and tricycle path along the inside parameter of the garden fence is also slated for construction starting this summer.
Happen’s largest garden located at 1617 Hoffner Street will house all the Happen vegetable beds this summer during construction at the Do Goods Garden. On March 14th volunteers from Go Cincinnati will plant all of this season’s vegetables including heirloom tomatoes and edible flowers. The plants were selected and grown by students and staff members participating in the Cincinnati State Horticulture Club. “It has been wonderful to build a working
Finally, save the date for dinner and fun during the Happen Grill’n And Chill’n Cookouts at Fergus park (Children’s Park located at the corner of Fergus St. and Chase Ave.) every Thursday night at 5:00pm Staring June 16th and ending August 4th. Each grill out is free and hosted by Happen, Inc. with the support of Youth Works Summer Program. Mark your calendars to join your neighbors for this Happen summer family tradition.
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
Following a successful 2015 session of experiments and educational activities surrounding composting and biogas resources, Happen will continue working with our adult and teen volunteers along with volunteers from Engineers Without Borders to further our understanding of biogas production. This month Happen will begin to conduct experiments using soil and other matter collected from the bottom of local lakes which we hope will prove to be a vital component of the educational biodigester donated by our friends at Engineers Without Borders last year. Check out Happen’s Make It Space and our Stop And Learn Window located at 1608 Chase Ave. starting on May 16th to learn more about biogas resources and our future Happen, Inc. sustainability projects.
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)
5
SPIRITS
NEW IN NORTHSIDE
April Showers Bring May…
Tickle Pickle: An Edgy Burger Joint
Beer Gardens! Cincinnati’s infamously fickle spring weather seems to have settled for the time being and there’s no better way to chill out and celebrate the return of the outdoor season than by hitting up your favorite local watering hole’s outdoor patio. Northside is home to a bevy of drinking-enhanced gardens, so grab your favorite pair of sunglasses, throw on some flip-flops, a Hawaiian shirt, and ill-fitting Bermuda shorts, and prepare your liver and skin for some exposure-induced fun!
Last summer, Tickle Pickle opened across the street from Sidewinder Coffee. It started as a walkup window in its backyard, outdoor courtyard, but the restaurant’s dining room opened earlier this year. The burger bar focuses on organic, nonGMO items that put a fresh spin on your typical burger.
Boswell’s Alley – An expansive outdoor space, encompassed by lush foliage, a tiki bar, abundant seating, and a T.V. Who could ask for more? Catch a Reds game, scarf some Bos Wings, and enjoy a cold, local brew.
thunderstorm while still imbibing with your friends and neighbors. Watch the rain and thunder crash down while you stay warm and dry with an extra cold, extra dry, hand-crafted martini. Northside Yacht Club – Arguably one of the best (and largest) outdoor patios in Northside: two levels, plenty of seating, an outside bar, and some of the best trivia in the neighborhood on Tuesday nights. Enjoy some aquatic-themed cocktails or one of their many local, craft beers. Food, drinks, and your rowdy friends make for one raucous evening under the moonlight. Boat with caution! Other Notable Northside Patios for enjoying the fine weather while sipping some fine beverages:
C&D – Tucked away in an old, converted house on the corner of Hanfield and Witler, this dog-friendly patio is perfect for lounging with your furry drinking buddies while you watch the neighborhood bustle with life around you. Order some grub and plan to stay awhile--at these drink prices you can afford to hang all day!
Northside Tavern Chameleon Arcade Legacy Listing Loon Urban Artifact The Comet Tickle Pickle Littlefield
Tillie’s Lounge – A covered back patio is the perfect place to take refuge during the occasional spring
BRETT KOLLMANN BAKER
6
Bret is a, liquid enthusiast, and Co-owner/ Chief of Brewing Operations at Urban Artifact.
Owner Sarah Cole also owns Sarelli’s Catering in Newport, and when she purchased the building at 4176 Hamilton Ave., she originally thought about moving Sarelli’s to Northside. But she wanted to try something different, with a smaller menu that will allow her to focus more on organic, non-GMO foods. Cole also wants to focus on locally produced foods and local providers, putting local dollars back into local businesses. The organic milk is from Snowville Creamery, the nopreservative pretzel buns are from Hot Pretzel in Northern Kentucky, and the vegan and whole-wheat buns are from Sixteen Bricks Bread. Tickle Pickle’s menu is an eclectic mix of rock n’ roll favorites, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which is an all-beef burger topped with grilled
onions and peppers, jalapeno goat cheese stuffed peppers, pepper jack cheese, spicy ketchup and mayonnaise, all on the perfectly-sized bun. There’s also a vegan black bean burger on a vegan-seeded bun called Buns N Roses. Burgers aren’t all Tickle Pickle has to offer—there’s also milkshakes, which are available with vegan and glutenfree options. The Vanilla Ice is your classic vanilla milkshake, but there’s also the Oreo Speedwagon, which is a chocolate shake with brownie bits. Going along with the rock n’ roll theme, the tables are covered in photos of famous musicians, and one of the dining room walls is painted in white bricks and customer’s artistic creations. Tickle Pickle is all about the 45223 and has fit seamlessly into the community. Tickle Pickle also does catering, and is available for business lunches and meetings for groups of 15 or more. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: www.ticklepicklenorthside.com Call: (513)-954-4003.
CAITLIN KOENIG
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
GIVING BACK
Gather your team for a Good Cause 10 week trivia challenge to support charity and fun for all Tillies lounge is launching TV trivia starting May 12 at 8 pm. The host runs the trivia on the TVs with various video clips, music and photos to enhance the experience and make the event real fun night. Each week, teams will win gift certificates valued at $30 for first place, $20 for second, and a $10 gift certificate for the second to last team (just to keep it fun for everyone). The kicker: Every week, Tillie’s will donate $100 to a charity or organization specified by teams at the beginning of the night.
Teams can be made up of 6 people. Trivia last just under 2 hours. Guests are welcome to bring in or order in food from the surrounding restaurants. Parking is on street free at the meters after 6 pm or in the Northside business lot for a minimal fee all night directly behind the lounge So, join us for trivia, have a Thursday night prohibition cocktail and raise money for a good cause. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: 4042 Hamilton Ave Call: (513) 541-1414
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
Run/Walk to Support Caracole on Sunday, May 15 Caracole’s 5K Run/Walk for AIDS is a 5 kilometer fundraising event in on the beautiful grounds of Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. Spring Grove is located at 4389 Spring Grove Avenue. Participants will run or walk (and sometimes both) 3.1 miles while taking in the stunning features of Spring Grove. Register and create a team today! Gather your friends and family and ask them to support your team and this wonderful cause.
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
All proceeds benefit Caracole, Cincinnati’s AIDS Service Organization. Caracole’s mission is to provide safe, affordable housing and supportive services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in the eight-county region of Southwest Ohio. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: http://caracole5kforaids. rallybound.org to learn how to register or donate.
7
ENVIRONMENT
Enjoy a Guided Wildflower Walk Through Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve This Mother’s Day, take your mom to the woods! Or maybe you just want to take yourself. Whatever your situation, Northside Greenspace, Inc. is leading a guided wildflower walk through Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, from 2 to 3 pm. Bike, drive, or walk to the preserve entrance at the end of Stanford Avenue, in upper Northside, and meet us there.
Although all these flowers are native to our woodlands, and have grown in Buttercup Valley for thousands of years, increasing globalization and urbanization have enabled plants from other continents, and even other regions of the US, to spread and become invasive. These exotic plants, such as bush honeysuckle, garlic mustard, purple wintercreeper, English ivy, and lesser celandine, flourish in the absence of the insects and other pests that control them in their native habitat, and can outcompete our native plants. This is why conservation groups such as Northside Greenspace work to
S & HAK S R E E V
RS
MO
Some of the native wildflowers we expect to see blooming include wild geranium, Solomon’s seal, celandine poppy, mayapple, and waterleaf. If this will be your first visit to Buttercup Valley this spring, you’ll have missed the Dutchman’s breeches, woodland phlox, bloodroot, anemone, toadshade trillium, Jacob’s
ladder, and the white trout lily, which grows in extensive and spectacular patches at Buttercup.
RESIDENTIAL CLEANING
COMMERCIAL CLEANING
EST. 2013
Call for a FREE Estimate/Consultation
(513) 808-4127 LOCALLY OWNED, BONDED & INSURED c l e a n r. o r g
8
remove invasive plants and allow our native landscapes to flourish. Our next work session is scheduled for Saturday morning, May 21, from 10 a.m. – noon, when we’ll pull garlic mustard in Parker Woods. We’ll post more detailed information, such as where we will meet, in Bits and Pieces and Nextdoor Northside the week prior to the event. Northside Greenspace volunteers spend literally hundreds of hours annually in restoration. It is amazing how removing invasive species allows native wildflowers, shrubs, trees and other plants, lying dormant but ready in the seed bank, to burst forth and flourish again. Although both Parker Woods and Buttercup Valley are remarkably high quality woodland for an urban setting -- neither preserve was ever clear-cut, or used as pasture or plowed as cropland, so the native seed bank is still in place despite more than two hundred years of EuroAmerican settlement -- Buttercup Valley contains the more mature forest of the two preserves, so we have concentrated our efforts in Buttercup.
lesser celandine, English ivy, and purple wintercreeper in Buttercup. All three of these invasives, however, are spreading significantly in Parker Woods. So, if you care to come spend a pleasant couple of hours in the woods with us on May 21, there will be plenty for you to do! For our calendar of other events and projects scheduled this year visit our website, www.northsidegreenspace. org. Look for us on Facebook as well Northside Greenspace, Inc. is a nonprofit all-volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, protection and enhancement of natural areas and open spaces in Northside and vicinity.
NORTHSIDE GREENSPACE, INC.
This is why, for the third consecutive year, with the help of our dedicated volunteers, we believe we have pulled all the garlic mustard visible in Buttercup Valley this spring. (Every year, we can see that the situation has improved.) Last summer we removed a lot of honeysuckle along the upper border of Buttercup, below the Spyglass apartments and near the Thompson Heights entrance to the preserve. We are also containing
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
ENVIRONMENT
Made In The Shade Consider Some Shades For Your Home As summer approaches many are probably looking forward to the sunshine but not to the big electric bills that accompany running the air conditioner. This article is about one simple and carbon-free way to lower those bills. What modern marvel could perform such as task, you ask? Why none other than the exterior window shade! To see why this is so, first a little review of the sun, how it moves, and how it can work for or against your electric bill. Each morning, the sun rises over the eastern horizon, then gets higher and higher until noon (or 1 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time) and then heads back down and sets over the western horizon. At 1 p.m. on June 21 in Cincinnati the highest the sun gets is 72 degrees (90 degrees would be straight overhead), but on Dec. 21 it only gets up to 27 degrees. No wonder it’s cold! So, during the summer, there is a lot of high sun in the early afternoon, a lot of low sun in the late afternoon/ evening, and all of it heats up your house. So what is the solution? You might think, duh, just close the shades. This does help a little, but interior shades (such as drapes or mini-blinds) only block around 10 percent of the incoming heat. The sun warms up the shades, which then warm up your house. What to do? Install window shades on the exterior. Exterior shades will block nearly all of the incoming heat!
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
More specifically, consider exterior shades on south and west facing windows. On south facing windows, the shade itself can be pretty minimal as the sun is quite high in the sky at that time and you only need a small shade sticking out over the window to block nearly all of the direct incoming sun. For example, a shade sticking 1.5 feet out from your house will shade nearly all of a 5-foot high window. The website, www.susdesign.com/ overhang, has a cool visual calculator that shows you exactly the size of shade you will need. For west facing windows, it is certainly more tricky - but even more important. The western sun is low in the sky and is therefore blasting heat into your house. Because the sun is so low, a single shade sticking out over a window isn’t going to do the job. Instead you need a louvered shade. Again using the susdesign website, this time at www.susdesign.com/ louver_shading, you can see how effective a given louvered shade will be for you. As an example, a shade with 6-inch wide slats spaced 8 inches apart and tilted down at 20 degrees will block 80 to 100 percent of the western sun during late afternoon. Now we’re talking! There certainly is some upfront cost – but those shades will keep working year after year - with no electricity at all.
CASEY MOOTHART Casey Moothart lives in Northside and used that susdesign website a lot before his family built their home.
9
SUSTAINABILITY
Greening Northside CREATIVE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Our Northside community is experiencing rapid change that includes new residents are moving in, long time residents moving out, new and diverse businesses along Hamilton Ave. and beyond, as well as increased housing prices and stock. The scale and methods to which some residents are building green living into their everyday lives is also changing. We’d like to highlight some of those efforts. From May to July, we will tell the stories of individual sustainability projects that offer a fresh way of thinking about our community’s built infrastructure. This month, we’re taking a look at the home of James and Heather Kinsman. The couple moved to Northside from Oakland, CA in 2007. But they purchased 1650 Glen Parker in 2006. As James tells it, “when Heather brought up moving back— Heather grew up on Cincinnati’s East Side—she suggested we look 10
in Northside. I found the property, and we flew out from Oakland over Christmas break. We walked the land and said yes, this will work.” The Kinsmans’ home is LEED Silver Certified and most construction materials have been sourced from within 500 miles of the house. Over the past decade Heather and James have taken what was once an overgrown property on a steep slope, and turned it into a thoughtfully sustainable home for themselves, their two children and their dogs. Starting with the orientation of the home, the entire concept is incredibly well thought out. The house is built into a south facing hill, and “this allows for energy protection,” says James. In other words, the structure gains from the sun’s heat during winter months and from the earth’s capacity as a natural cooling unit during the summer. The walls are constructed as Insulated Concrete
Forms (ICF’s). That they’re concrete makes them effectively maintenance free. They are flanked on either side by 2.5” of foam. This not only helps maintain a steady temperature, it also acts as a sound barrier. When the windows are shut, the noise of the outside world is entirely closed out. Further, the house has no central air. Rather, it is heated via radiant heat from water that is heated by rooftop solar panels. “Summer temperatures reach between 180 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit. That provides for showers and other hot water needs,” explains James. Again, the radiant heating system performs two functions, the first is practical and the second is aesthetic. “With radiant heat, there’s no ambient noise like there is with central air,” says James. The Kinsman’s have built an environmentally sustainable home that offers them the ability to control a great deal of their lived experience.
Arriving at this point has not been easy. While the Kinsmans purchased the property in 2006, they did not build until 2011. The first architects came in way over budget. That’s when Northside’s Tim Jeckering (Architect, former Community Council President) was brought in to bring the vision and costs into line. Next came a round with students from DAAP. Armed with reasonable plans, another home builder was brought in, but in the end was not able to do the ICF walls. Finally, Dan Heckman of Big D Construction was able to use the existing designs to bring the project to fruition. I asked Heather why the past decade of their work on this project has been personally satisfying. “It’s felt good to be a part of a community movement that is reinvesting in itself in so many creative ways.” She continues, “We have made Northside our home, and it is affirming when other individuals THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
“IT’S FELT GOOD TO BE A PART OF A COMMUNITY MOVEMENT THAT IS REINVESTING IN ITSELF IN SO MANY CREATIVE WAYS. WE HAVE MADE NORTHSIDE OUR HOME, AND IT IS AFFIRMING WHEN OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES TAKE PRIDE IN THIS COMMUNITY AS WE DO.” —HEATHER KINSMAN
and businesses take pride in this community as we do.” Similarly, I asked James why they moved across the country and then spent a decade putting this together? He explains that in the 2000’s, they had an increasing awareness of home and the environment. “Coming from CA we’d been on home tours of energy efficient homes there. We wanted to provide a demonstration that an alternative build can be done without being a totally weird and quirky house.” He provides examples of homes built with recycled tires or bottles. James drives home the point that construction can be quick; on terms of traditional stick built homes. “It took 9 months for construction here.” Speaking a bit about the impact Heather hopes their work is having on Northside, she states “I hope our work on our property has demonstrated that we care about this neighborhood, and are taking THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
care of the land in a thoughtful way. I want our neighbors to appreciate the changes they see and that informs the decisions we continue to make.” And while my suspicions were that the Kinsman home might be a political conversation starter, Heather says not so. She explains that the location of the home, being tucked back on a hill, keeps it off the radar of most Northsiders. Many first time visitors give the Kinsmans a warm response, and like me, are curious about what led to their design decisions.
If one thing is certain, it is that there is nothing different about Northsiders challenging the status quo. So where better to take on such a project than in the 45523?!
LEO D’CRUZ
Still, she lets on a little about the family’s political bent. “I think by visiting our home and our neighborhood, one is able to guess our political leanings.” Heather continues, “Questioning the status quo in conventional building practices and in politics is important to us. That’s visible in the choices we made when building our home.”
11
AT THE MARKET
2016 Outdoor Farmers Market affordable. In addition, in partnership with Churches Active In Norhside (CAIN), NFM will provide a free shuttle service loop to the market around Northside and South Cumminsville during June, July, and August. More information will be available in midMay on the market’s website www.northsidefm.org The market has also teamed up with Apple Street Market to offer select non-local pantry items for market shoppers at competitive prices. Products like rice, beans, and nuts, and cooking oil will be available to help customers shop solely at the market any given week if they choose. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOURS, PRODUCTS, AND UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT: www.northsidefm.org. “Northside Farmers Market Crowd Shot” Caption: Beginning May 11th, fresh, local produce will be available every Wednesday in Hoffner Park from 4-7pm.
Cooking classes, a free farmers market shuttle, and a larger food selection make the Northside Farmers Market a destination this summer. Each outdoor season, the Northside Farmers Market (NFM) brings in new vendors, hosts new events, and works to make the market more accessible and interesting for all. This year the Outdoor Market begins on May 11th in Hoffner Park, and will be held every Wednesday, rain or shine, from 4-7pm, and will host several new programs and events. Vendors, New and Old This summer, the market hosts at least 31 food vendors. Almost all current vendors will join the market
12
outdoors, and addition vendors will bring even more diverse options to the market. New offering include vegan/ vegetarian soups, a new farm which offers edible hops shoots in addition to fresh produce, new dessert vendors including vegan and vegetarian options, meat and vegan tamales, and jams. Bridges, last year’s popular vendor selling samosas and Indian curries, will return every other week. Events For All Ages NFM will offer kids’ cooking classes in 4 week sessions. Students ages 7-11 can join the market in June, July, and/ or August for hand on classes which teach kids about cooking with local and seasonal foods. Each session costs only $12.00, and fee waivers are available. Mary Pat McKee returns to host cooking demonstrations every other
week. Market goers can stop by the demo tent to watch her prepare simple seasonal recipes, taste the results, and take home a recipe. Those wanting to fit in a mid-week exercise class can join ECOnsciously Yoga at the market during May and June for a “pay what you can” donation. Classes like chair yoga make it easy for anyone to practice.
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.
A Taste-A-Thon in July, and other kids activities will offered at the market this summer. Free kids’ crafts are offered every week at the market, and larger events will be listed online as they are scheduled. Food For All NFM continues to offer Produce Perks to customer, and will match SNAP dollars up to $10.00 every week to make shopping at the market more
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
AT THE PLAYGROUND
It Takes a Community to Build a Playground St. Boniface Pre-Kindergarten students are enjoying a new playground this Spring, thanks to generous grants from The Andrew Jergens Foundation and Southern Ohio Play and Park Structures plus the hard work of Joel German from Leisure Concepts in Lexington, Kentucky and many willing volunteers. Saturday, February 6th was a cold day, but members of the Northside Teen Council and students from Clark Montessori and LaSalle High Schools rolled out of their warm beds to join us at 8:30AM. PreK teachers Katie Jauch and Mandy Finamore, along with Principal Sister Miriam Kaeser, welcomed a volunteer corps that included a number of adult staff and “friends of St. Boniface”. After enjoying some donuts and coffee, courtesy of Bonomini’s Bakery and Sidewinder Café, they were off to work digging post holes, assembling various pieces of playground equipment and then installing the playset. Western Hills Home Depot donated the use of a post hole auger and a $50.00 gift card to go toward the purchase of concrete. Work stopped only for a short time when everyone enjoyed a pizza lunch donated by NYPD Pizza. The following weeks brought some weather challenges which temporarily delayed further progress. Luckily, we had a team of six students arrive from Gwynedd Mercy University on March 7th. These eager students sacrificed a Spring Break on the beach to perform a number of service activities at the school. One of the major projects they took on was the hauling and spreading of one and one half truckloads of mulch. We are grateful that they were able to complete this monumental task for us while they were here. THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
When the first official day of Spring arrived, the playground was ready for an anxious and extremely excited group of kids. They had a blast trying out the new slide, the climbing wall, the tunnel and the corkscrew ladder. There were certainly many happy faces as they discovered all the facets of their new play area. Our PreK students are sure to enjoy countless future hours exploring and enjoying their new colorful playground which is truly necessary and a crucial addition for the physical development of our youngest students. Additionally, our old equipment was donated to Resurrection School and will find new life as it is enjoyed by their first PreK class. This community build effort saved us a great deal of money. As stated by Lead Teacher, Katie Jauch, “Everything came together so well and I could not be more grateful!” We’d like to once again thank everyone who helped to make our new play area a reality: • The Archdiocese of Cincinnati C.I.S.E. (Catholic Inter-city School Education) Office for their help in securing a grant from The Andrew Jergens Foundation • Southern Ohio Play & Park Structures • Joel German of Leisure Concepts; Lexington, Kentucky • A Very Generous Mulch Donor • Western Hills Home Depot • The Northside Teen Council • Students from Clark Montessori and La Salle High Schools • The Young Women of Gwynedd Mercy University • Bonomini’s Bakery on Blue Rock St. • Sidewinder Café on Hamilton Ave. • NYPD Pizza on Chase Ave. • Jenifer Jackson and our Volunteers • The Finamore and Jauch Families 13
DEVELOPMENT
NEST Secures NOFA Funding As the recipient of the City of Cincinnati 2015 NOFA (Notice Of Funding Availability), NEST is now able to proceed with further development in the Fergus Street Homeownership Project area. Gap financing through the NOFA Contract, signed into effect March 31, 2016, will help support the rehabilitation of four existing, vacant, single family-homes, three on Fergus Street and one on Mad Anthony Street and new construction of a single family home at the vacant lot located at the Chase Avenue and Mad Anthony Street intersection.
4137 Witler Street
In and Around the Neighborhood • Please join NEST as we celebrate completion of our newest additions to the Blockwatch 45223 Homeownership Project, from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 and/or from 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 15. • For additional information regarding the sale of 1722 Hanfield Street or 4137 Witler Street, please contact Emily Valentino at 513-602-7414 or email evalentino@Comey.com • For all other questions, contact Stefanie Sunderland at 513-5424709 or email ssunderland_2848@fuse.net.
As part of NEST’s on-going commitment to create age-in-place homes, each of the five units will be designed to meet visitable guideline standards. These standards, developed for NEST by architect Alice Emmons who consulted with Heather Sturgill, a Functional Accessibility Expert, assure that whenever feasible NEST’s properties will be designed to allow for entry and use of the first floor by individuals with or who may eventually have ambulatory challenges. All can readily be converted into accessible units in the future if needed. Rehabilitation of the first two, 4222 and 4238 Fergus Street, should begin soon, closely followed by the rehabilitation of 4240 Fergus Street. The Cincinnati Northside Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CNCURC), doing business as Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation (NEST) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 tax-exempt, taxdeductible organization and donations are always welcome with great enthusiasm!
1722 Hanfield Street
14
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
DEVELOPMENT
Apple Street Market Updates MiMi Chamberlain, Executive Director of Churches Active in Northside, started the meeting off by reminding us of the driving force that fuels us to open a grocery store in our neighborhood and why it is so important for those of us with few financial resources to have a store with affordable fresh food we can walk to. Then, Apple Street Board member Kristen Barker reported on how far we’ve come since last year — 633 people purchased shares in Apple Street Market since our previous Annual Meeting bringing us to a total of 1,125 community owners as of March 31st. Our General Manager, Christopher DeAngelis talked about challenges. Project costs for opening our store at 4145 Apple Street have increased from $1,515,000 to $3,203,000. Sales projections for the store were limited to the first year and did not take into account increased competition. In light of the increased expenses, we commissioned a second study that provided three years’ worth of sales projections. The study came back $600,000 lower than the earlier
study, first year sales at 2.9 million as opposed to 3.5 million. The first way to overcome these challenges is to improve the feasibility of the former Save-A- Lot at 4145 Apple Street. Among the tactics for doing so are changing the design of the sales floor to improve cash flow for the store and driving more customer traffic to Apple Street Market by increasing the visibility of the store through street improvements on Knowlton and signage on Hamilton. The second way is to select another site with higher sales potential. Other sites that could serve Northside were investigated and market studies for two alternate sites were commissioned that confirmed the sites had significantly higher sales. For Apple Street Market to develop either site we will need to partner with other community organizations in the neighborhood. Our next big steps are: • To commission a pro forma for each option to determine the best path forward
SPRING INTO SHAPE WITH YOGA!
ashtanga • vinyasa • rocket
CLASSES 7 days/week
yogaahstudio.com • 513.542.9642 4046 Hamilton Ave (above Django Western Taco)
NEW STUDENTS: 3 months unlimited yoga for $180
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
• Increase the number of community owners to 2,000 and raise $253,000 in community owner shares, donations, and loans
timeline for opening the store. We will start selling a small selection of non-local staples, such as rice, nuts, cooking oil, peanut butter, and beans to provide something closer to a one-stop grocery shop on for the community on Wednesdays. This is NOT a fundraising activity and will require additional funding to maintain for the 1.5 to 3 years it takes to open a store in Northside. The first day of selling staples at the Farmer’s Market will be May 11th.
Because we want to keep you informed:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Community Report-Back Meetings: I will be updating everyone on our progress at 7:30 PM, the fourth Tuesday of every month (May 24th), at Happen Inc. – 4201 Hamilton Avenue.
Visit: AppleStreetMarket.coop Email: info@applestreetmarket.coop Call: (513) 818-2328
• To secure additional grants and non-debt financing to close the funding gap, including partnering with community organizations in the neighborhood • Find ways to serve the community’s need for a grocery store in the interim
The other three Tuesdays we hold a volunteer meeting at 7PM at Happen, please consider attending. I shared in an earlier post that most efforts to open community-owned grocery stores take 3-5 years. It is also true that once a food co-op gets past the first few years of operation, “failure” looks like serving their communities for a mere fifty years. We are building something to serve generations to come. While it is important for us to get Apple Street “right” instead of “quick,” MiMi Chamberlain reminded us all that the profound need for a full service grocery store in our community is also an urgent need.
Or reach out to Christopher DeAngelis at: christopher.andrew.deangelis@ gmail.com, (610) 931-6242
CHRISTOPHER DEANGELIS Christopher DeAngelis brings 19 years of management and governance experience in cooperatives to Apple Street Market, including consumer-owned, worker-owned and multi-stakeholder grocery stores.
Changes to our Farmer’s Market Booth were announced at the Annual Meeting as one way that the cooperative will be addressing the ongoing community need for food access in light of the extended
15
COMMUNITY
Northside Walks with CAIN – Freestore Foodbank’s Hunger Walk and 5k Run Join CAIN’s Campaign To Stop Hunger Memorial Day is almost here. Celebrate spring on Monday, May 30 by taking a walk with your neighbors or helping them out in other ways. Here’s how: It’s time for the 13th annual Freestore Foodbank’s Hunger Walk and 5k Run, which takes place at the Downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky riverfront. One hundred percent of your contribution can help CAIN (Churches Active in Northside) obtain low-cost groceries for our neighbors who need a little help from time to time. Just support a CAIN team by walking, sponsoring a walker or making a gift in CAIN’s name (more details below). Here’s why: Most of CAIN’s guests need help about four times a year, during the occasional lean month. CAIN tracks all the statistics, but the harsh reality is:
• 61.7 percent of Northside’s children live in poverty.
Part of our health is determined by what we eat.
• 85 percent of school-age children qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Most of The Northsider’s readers already understand the importance of food. It’s why there has been so much support and interest in the Apple Street Market. But that solution is years and months away. This is something you can do TODAY, this month, this spring.
• In 2015, CAIN was able to help feed 1,222 children (and 1,513 adults) who live in the 45223 ZIP Code. That’s why I’m walking on May 30 at 9 a.m. No child in my neighborhood should have to feel the pain of hunger. It’s not just about temporary food shortages. The average Cincinnati resident lives about 76 years, two years less than the average American. According to the Cincinnati Health Department, life expectancy in Northside is 72.6 years, a few years shy of the average. The Community Need Index (http://cni.chw-interactive. org/) gives the 45223 ZIP Code its worst score of five for highest likelihood that its residents will experience disparities of health care.
Look up and down your street. Someone nearby lives in poverty. One out of every four to five people living within 45223 lives in poverty. CAIN has helped one out of every four of 45223 residents. This year, CAIN asked 20 Northside residents to serve as Champions and inspire other Northsiders to raise $10,000 of CAIN’s $25,000 goal. I was happy to volunteer. I’ll be walking and donating and raising money and asking others to give. Please join me and CAIN’s many supporters at any level, in whichever way you are called to help. It will be a great and beautiful day for a walk and for helping our neighbors. Poverty can be invisible or render invisible the people in need, but CAIN knows who needs our help. I like the feeling that I am part of the solution. The Details One hundred percent of every dollar raised on behalf of CAIN, through the Freestore Foodbank’s Hunger Walk & 5K Run will be used to purchase food and personal hygiene products through the Freestore Foodbank to help our neighbors in need. The best ways to make sure your dollars help CAIN directly are to: 1. Make a financial contribution to Northside Walks With CAIN to help this team reach its $10,000 goal.
16
2. Register to walk or run on May 30 as part of the Northside Walks With CAIN team. 3. Form a team with the word CAIN in its name, such as Pullan Neighbors Walk With CAIN. 4. Become one of 20 CAIN Champions who pledges to raise $500 each in CAIN’s name for the Hunger Walk & 5K Run in 2016. Use CAIN’s easy link to donate or register online. • Go to www.cainministry.org. • On the yellow Hunger Walk banner, click on the link to the Northside Walks With CAIN team. To donate by check, make it payable to Freestore Foodbank Hunger Walk and make sure to write CAIN in the memo section of your check. For more information on the walk and run, visit http://cincinnatihungerwalk. org/2016/. GWEN FINEGAN Gwen Finegan is a writer, consultant, and long-time Northside activist. She agreed to be a Champion and raise $500 for this year’s Hunger Walk. Help her out!
• Use CAIN’s easy link to donate or register online. • Go to www.cainministry.org. • On the yellow Hunger Walk banner, click on the link to the Northside Walks With CAIN team. • To donate by check, make it payable to Freestore Foodbank Hunger Walk and make sure to write CAIN in the memo section of your check.
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
OPINION
Bridges to Access Cincinnati’s minorities and low income people are experiencing a lack of access to cancer information, timely screenings, treatment, and care, and help in navigating the maze of their cancer journey. Cincinnati must therefore provide a bridge of access for its population. Access to timely cancer information: Minorities and other underserved populations are denied access to the information that they may have cancer. Health and educational systems have ill prepared this population to ask the critical question: what is cancer? In Cincinnati this population has the highest death rate from cancer in Ohio. When people, poorly educated about health matters, finally find out they have cancer, it is often too late for successful treatment. The latest drugs and other treatments are unable to be used as the cancer has advanced to an untreatable stage. Changing death rates depends on providing a bridge between the citizen and information about cancer survival based on early screening and treatment. Timely screening and treatment: Communication about cancer requires a sensitivity to people’s fears about death and pain as well as an appreciation of the person’s prior experience with cancer in their family or with friends. Misinformation about the nature of cancer and confusion about screenings can distort accurate understanding. The key to heightening comprehension may be in providing cancer education in social agencies that are trusted. Already a firm foundation, the social service agency can be the most important bridge to both education and rapid movement to screenings. Navigating the health care maze: The creation of the patient navigator THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
role by Harold Freeman, M.D., surgeon and former president of the American Cancer Society, recognized that true access to necessary cancer treatment may require a trained and trusted person who will accompany a person through the barriers that too often block action. Navigators understand the transportation system to the screening and hospitals. Navigators understand how easily a person can be slowed or stopped by confusing communication between doctors and patients, especially when fears about cancer are present. Navigators can also help with financial and family logistical issues. In sum, the navigator is a vital part of the bridge to survival as a trusted companion on the journey. Creating a caring bridge: Moving through phases of uncertainty in the discovery process for cancer requires great resilience on the part of the person with cancer and their loved ones. Too often the experience shatters self confidence as the fears of failure overwhelm the experience. One family member described this crisis: “I wish that some, anyone-any of these people who are paid to do this-would actually tell me what to do...I have not yet opened my mouth and I am defeated...I need tactics: a manager, coach, a trainer who knows about the death stuff...about the understanding of young children, about the deep fatigue generated by stress, about what the illness does to concentration, financial support, about anger...and all the skeins involved in the [un]raveling out of the whole.” The navigator will assist in working with realistic needs of the patient and their family and assist in encouraging the patient to find some degree of peace within the experience of doubt and fear.
The Cancer Justice Network as a bridge: Social service agencies provide important, indeed, critical provisions for people in need, offering relief, strength, and compassion for many people in our community. The Cancer Justice Network builds on these strengths, unites the community desire to decrease cancer mortalities, and provides direct links to people who may likely fall through the cancer cracks. In the coming year, our education and navigation option will be offered at the FreeStore Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, Madisonville Education and Assistance Center, Caracole House, Churches Active in Northside, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Francis Seraph and the Homeless Coalition. We expect navigators to come from the community as well as the University of Cincinnati school of social work, the UC Cincinnati Project, and the UC Peace Village. The American Cancer Society will provide printed cancer information, assistance with transportation to and from centers and hospitals, and critical 800 numbers that may be used 24/7 for people to access information. The Cincinnati Health Department will coordinate their health centers’ schedules to assist in screening processes. A team of volunteer physicians, led by Nemat
Moussaivian, MD, will provide information on how cancer can be overcome with early screening and treatment. Support for these activities is provided, in part, by grants from the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine and Molina Insurance. Improving Survival from Cancer: Research on navigation programs in other cities and states shows success in reducing mortality and improving screenings. Cincinnati could be a national leader in the transformation of social service agencies into new organizations that prevent the expansion of cancer stages and assist in successful treatment options. Changing the mortality epidemic in Cincinnati requires a new and bold approach that reaches outside the hospital and to the community, especially to those agencies that have a foundation of compassion. This new approach of navigation following cancer education can make a major difference in the survival of cancer patients. The bridge to caring treatment is being built with the hands of strong partners. STEVE SUNDERLAND AND SHARON DOERING Steve Sunderland is director of the Peace Village Cancer Project and Sharon Doering is the secretary of the board.
17
WELLNESS
How Good Is Good Enough? Understanding An Important and Sometimes Devastating Operative Principle To understand how Good Enough works, we need to start at the beginning. Upon entering this world you are interested in the same outcome as every other animal: survival. This boils down to acquiring the ability to obtain food, to not become food, and, if you are really lucky, to choose your own mate. To these ends, the single most important skill any animal learns is locomotion. Most of us operate at just Good Enough In his 2008 book “Outliers”, Malcom Gladwell popularized the 10,000 hour rule which states that 10,000 hours of practice leads to mastery. The rule was recently debunked, and I thought, thank goodness! As a movement practitioner, I can confidently say 10,000 hours of mindless practice does not lead to mastery. Instead it leads to good enough. Individually and collectively, our lives are a series of skill acquisitions up to the point of good enough, freeing
us to go on to acquire the next skill. There are exceptions, such as a child who wants to be an Olympian, the next American Idol or maybe win a Nobel prize. And in these cases the individual will, with consciousness, attend to increasing the quality of their movement or knowledge and in roughly 10,000 hours reach mastery. The rest of us are getting by. I have nothing against getting by. It actually works well for what most of us want to do in our lives. When we can’t afford just Good Enough We must deem some things as good enough so we can establish habits. Habits are vital or we would be destined to reinvent the wheel of learning every day. Yet there are some areas in life where I propose none of us can afford to settle, and walking is one is of them. Every independently mobile person has over 10,000 hours of practice in walking by the time he or she reaches the age of 21. From the lens of a gait specialist, I observe that the majority of adults are not walking with mastery. Instead, they walk in ways that do not provide good food for the body AND likely will cause disease and dysfunction over time. Walking isn’t just about bone
health. It affects all bodily functions as well as the thinking mind and the emotional state. Quality walking is quality medicine Very few of us are beyond walking mediocrity if one considers the full range of what is possible. Sure, if you don’t know there is anything other than Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill wine, you have no desire to search for a bottle of Chateau St. Jean wine. In fact, if you taste it, you aren’t even likely to have the sensitivity to appreciate the upgrade. More than good enough takes focus, time and a reference system. Walking is something you hope to be doing your entire life. Going from good enough to better and better is an investment worth making.
CYNTHIA ALLEN Cynthia Allen is a partner in Future Life Now, a holistic health center here in Northside. As a Feldenkrais Practitioner and Senior Trainer in Movement Intelligence, she is an expert in walking, joint health and just about anything related to movement. Reach her at 513-541-5720, www.futurelifenow.com, or email her at cynthiaallen@futurelifenow.com.
Movement improvement WITH CYNTHIA ALLEN
What is Feldenkrais? Party Monday, May 9 6:00 - 8:15 pm FREE
Core Mobility and Stability: a Feldenkrais Workshop Saturday, May 14 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Balance, Posture and Power for 65+ Wednesdays, May 18 - June 22 10:30 - 11:45 am
Back on Track through Bones for Life
Thursdays, May 19 - June 9 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Pelvis Restoration for Standing/Walking: a Feldenkrais series Mondays, June 13 - 27 6:00 - 7:15 pm
Walking with Trekking Poles Thursdays, July 14 - August 4 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Information and registration at 513.541.5720 or www.futurelifenow.com
413 8 H A M I LT O N AV E N U E CINCINNATI, OHIO 45223
18
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
SCREEN
Happen’s Kid Critics Age 8-12 SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES
COLE
For those of you who have been faithfully following the monthly reviews of Happen’s Kid Critics, you may have noticed that these kids are growing up fast. After almost three years, they have blossomed into an engaged and highly informed collection of critical viewers. So this month’s selection poses a unique challenge. The anticipated release of the entire library of Scholastic Storybook Treasures presents read along versions of classic children’s stories, which spring to life via animation on DVD. The veteran Kid Critics offer their expert opinions and advice on a set that includes “Me... Jane” (the tale of the young Jane Goodall and her favorite childhood toy, a chimpanzee named Jubilee) and three other stories dedicated to the impactful triumphs of girls in
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
OSCAR
LUCI
society. From forging careers in the world of science and medicine to securing the right to vote to forming the first-ever baseball league for women, these shorts highlight the efforts of inspiring figures, and allow young audiences to actively participate in the unfolding narratives. Trust the Kid Critics to let you know if your young viewers will enjoy these moving lessons. -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 - Scholastic Storybook Treasures
HENRY
MAXWELL
GWEN
These mini movies are about girls that are important. The lesson is to not judge a woman. I would say the age group is 4-7. Most of them are about learning. - Cole It was really good. I liked the message. - Oscar Me….Jane is not something I would normally watch as it is geared more towards younger viewers, but I loved it. As the 4 shorts are all about feminism, this is perfect for all young girls. Inspiring and sweet, the cute artwork and incredible stories make this something every little girl news to see. - Luci Me……Jane is an animated scholastic series focusing on famous women. Although it is geared towards my age level, I can certainly see how this would be a perfect show for younger viewers. - Henry I loved the theme but the animations were bit to jerky and the facts are probably not spot on. But as a whole it was good. - Maxwell I can’t really rate it, but if it’s family movie night and you are 3 or 4 years old and they want to watch something about history then this is perfect. But if you are 10 or older, don’t watch it. - Gwen
19
EVENTS Fridays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 / Dance Session with Taylor Jameson This class is for anyone who wants to move without over-complicated choreography. Free. 11:30 a.m. Jacob Hoffner Park, Blue Rock Street and Hamilton Ave. 5.6.16 / Scissorkick Rituals CD Release Party Northside based band’s debut, fulllength CD, SKR. Special guests Go Go Buffalo, The ZG’s and the The Zvills. Free. 9 p.m. Northside Tavern. 4163 Hamilton Ave. 5.7.16 / Visionaries + Voices Saturday: Painting for Someone You Love or Miss Candi Branham leads investigation of missing someone and how to visualize and understand emotions through the vehicle of paint in a safe place. Free. Grade K-8. 12 – 2 p.m. Visionaries + Voices, 3841 Spring Grove Ave. 5.7.16 / Tips and Tools for Behavior Management Learn effective tools for behavior management and how to help your child and yourself regulate mind and body. RSVP. $10/single or couple. 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center, 4244 Hamilton Ave. 5.7.16 / The Lovers (vocal jazz) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.8.16 / Mother’s Day Jazz Dinner Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.9.16 / What is Feldenkrais? Party Introduction to Feldenkrais with sitting and standing movement lessons, discussion, demonstration of a private session and some food and drink. RSVP. Free. 6-8:15 p.m. Future Life Now - 4138 Hamilton Ave. 513-541-5720. 5.10.16 / Afterschool Games Play Wii and board games. Ages 6-18. 4 p.m. Northside Library branch.
20
5.10.16 / Pleasures (Florida) /Colors In Mind/Rich Wizard/Human Ottoman (Oregon) (electronic indie music) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.11.16 / Preschool Storytime Enjoy books, songs, activities and more. For preschoolers and their caregivers. Ages 3-6. 10 a.m. Northside Library branch. 5.11.16 / Blue Wisp Big Band Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.13.16 / Lullaby Crash (rock) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.14.16 / Tummy2Tummy A Babywearing International mom will demonstrate styles including right sling, wrap, or carrier. RSVP. Donations accepted. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center, 4244 Hamilton Ave. 5.14.16 / PlayWrite Saturday Dramakinetics drama instructors join for an interactive blend of performance and writing. Free. Grades K-8. 12 – 2 p.m. Wordplay, 4041 Hamilton Ave. 5.14.16 / Arlo McKinley & The Lonesome Sound/ Nellie Pearl/Jim Trace & The Makers (country/folk) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.15.16 / Junior Jazzers Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.15.16 / American Buffalo (rock) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.16.16 / Evening Arts Come create a craft. All ages. 6 p.m. Northside Library branch. 5.16.16 / Cincinnati Exchange Project fundraiser - Trivia Night Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.17.16 / Lego Lunacy Build a Lego creation. Ages 3-adults. 4 p.m. Northside Library branch.
5.17.16 / Paint the World - Chick Corea tribute (funk/jazz/soul) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.23.16 / Tropicoso (salsa dance lessons and party) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.18.16 / Preschool Storytime Enjoy books, songs, activities and more. For preschoolers and their caregivers. Ages 3-6. 10 a.m. Northside Library branch.
5.24.16 / Thomas the Tank Time Come and have free play with Thomas wood train sets. Ages 2-10. 6:30 p.m. Northside Library branch.
5.18.16 / Blue Wisp Big Band Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.19.16 / Cool Science Build a bridge out of straws and see how much weight it can hold. Ages 6-18. 4 p.m. Northside Library branch. 5.19.16 / Phantom Pop/Las Rosas/ The Harlequins (rock, funk, jazz) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.20.16 / The Dawn Drapes (Virginia (alt rock) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.24.16 / Peter Brötzmann & Heather Leigh Murray (funk) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.25.16 / Afternoon Arts Come create a craft. All ages. 4 p.m. Northside Library branch. 5.25.16 / Family Storytime Enjoy books, songs, activities and more. For preschoolers and their caregivers. Ages 3-6. 6 p.m. Northside Library branch. 5.25.16 / Blue Wisp Big Band Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.21.16 / Bare 2 Brilliant Pottery Ceramic Painting Have fun with your child creating a one-of-a-kind personalized gift for Father’s Day by painting a plate or mug which will be glazed and fired for you. RSVP. $15. 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center, 4244 Hamilton Ave.
5.27.16 / WordPlay closes Re-opens Saturday, June 11.
5.21.16 / Sci Fi Saturday Explore scientific principles that inspire your own original works of science fiction writing. Free. Grades K-8. 12 – 2 p.m. Wordplay, 4041 Hamilton Ave.
5.28.16 / Bulletville/Bill Bynum & Co. (country rock) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.21.16 / The Persistence of Surf Music (guitars!) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.30.16 / Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands (alt cabaret) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.22.16 / Jess Lamb with guests (vocal rock) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.31.16 / Cool Science Build a bridge out of straws and see how much weight it can hold. Ages 6-18. 6 p.m. Northside Library branch.
5.23.16 / Family Movie Call branch for title. All ages. 3 p.m. Northside Library branch.
5.27.16 / The New Royals (all night party) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street. 5.28.16 / Family Movie Call branch for title. All ages. 3 p.m. Northside Library branch.
5.29.16 / Nouveau Shamanic with Communications (pop rock) Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock Street.
5.31.16 / Brain Beans - storytelling night “Trip” Urban Artifact. 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
The Gospel According to
S
L EA OF
A
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
PP
ROVA
L
Sermon Series Begins May 15
21
LIVE MUSIC ALMOST EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK. SHOWS ARE FREE! CHECK INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS FOR SHOWTIMES. 4163 HAMILTON AVE CINCINNATI, OH 45223 (513) 542-3603 NORTHSIDE-TAVERN.COM HOURS: MON – SAT: 5:00PM – 2:30AM SUNDAY: 7:00PM – 2:30AM HAPPY HOUR: MON-SAT 5-8PM
In person, on the phone, online, or on-the-go...
Blue Ash 9407 Kenwood Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 936-8800 Colerain 9315 Colerain Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45251 (513) 385-8190 Delhi 633 Anderson Ferry Road Cincinnati, OH 45238 (513) 347-0700
A N D
T R U S T
Finneytown 906 North Bend Road Cincinnati, OH 45224 (513) 242-3200
C O M P A N Y
Bank LOCAL with
A N D
T R U S T
C O M P A N Y
THE NORTHSIDER MONTHLY
www.northsidebankandtrust.com
Northside (Main Office) 4125 Hamilton Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45223 (513) 542-7800 Springdale 11628 Springfield Pike Cincinnati, OH 45246 (513) 671-3800
Download our new mobile banking app available for iPhones and Android devices Member FDIC
NOW OPEN Hyde Park Center (The Pointe) 2739 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45209 (513) 533-8000
West Chester 8615 Shepherd Farm Drive West Chester, OH 45069 (513) 551-5000
EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT NORTHSIDER.NORTHSIDE.NET OR EMAIL NORTHSIDERMONTHLY@GMAIL.COM