Explore Northern Cincinnati- Spring 2019

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CO NTENTS

SPRING 2019

DISCOVER THE NORTH’S MANY TREASURES T he ma ny c ommu n it ie s of t he North each bring something unique and appealing to the table. From wideopen spaces dotted with tranquil towns and villages to bustling, up-and-coming neighborhoods offering plentiful food, drink, shopping and entertainment options, this region has a little something for everyone.

There’s no doubt the area has plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. Our hope for this publication is that you will discover something new, be reminded of an old favorite or learn what makes the North special. From Glendale to Middletown and Lebanon to Fairfield, there is so much in the area to explore.

6 WARREN COUNTY

“Ohio’s Largest Playground” is building a new sports park.

BY JESSICA BALTZERSEN

7 EDUCATION

Butler Tech looks to revolutionize higher education at its campuses.

BY KEVIN MICHELL

—Kevin Michell

9 HEALTH

Northern Cincinnati is rich in quality health care providers.

BY ERIC SPANGLER

PUBLISHED BY magazine Locally, family and veteran owned

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Cincy Co. LLC Cincinnati Club Building, 30 Garfield Place, Suite 440, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The best attractions and entertainment destinations the North has to offer.

BY CORINNE MINARD

PUBLISHER: Eric Harmon MANAGING EDITOR: Kevin Michell DEPUTY EDITOR: Corinne Minard ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Eric Spangler CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Guy Kelly ART DIRECTOR: Katy Rucker DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR: Danielle Cain ADVERTISING MANAGER: Laura Federle PRODUCTION MANAGER: Keith Ohmer EVENTS DIRECTOR: Hannah Jones EVENTS COORDINATOR: Alexandra Tepe CUSTOM PUBLISHER: Brad Hoicowitz ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Rick Seeney ADVERTISING SALES: Abbey Cummins, Katelynn Webb,

18 DINING

Get your mouth watering with six profiles of northern eateries.

BY KEVIN MICHELL

23 SHOPPING

Find your new favorite place to shop from these six area retail districts.

BY KEVIN MICHELL

Anthony Rhoades and Susan Montgomery WORK-STUDY STUDENT: Esvin Bernado Perez,

Aliyah White Contact Cincy: information@cincymagazine.com or call (513) 421-2533. Go to cincymagazine.com to get your complimentary subscription to Cincy and Best of the North.

27 RETIREMENT

Highlighting four senior living communities with exceptional facilities in Northern Cincinnati.

BY KEVIN MICHELL

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Subscribe or pick up your complementary copy at local supermarkets.

2019

October 2019 Nominations Coming Soon For tickets visit: cincy.live If you are interested in being a sponsor for the 2019 Best of the North, contact: Hannah Jones, Event Manager hjones@cincymagazine.com 513.297.1351

U PFRO NT

Come Play in Warren County THE NEW WARREN COUNTY SPORTS PARK PROMISES MORE SPORTS FOR EVERYONE

By Jessica Baltzersen

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ubbed “Ohio’s Largest Playground,” Warren County is just that: a county filled with numerous attractions and sporting events that draw visitors from all over the country. Last year alone Warren County held nearly 100 sporting events. It has collectively hosted more than 632 events and has brought more than 1.2 million people to the Warren County area.

In order to accommodate more events, the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau is building a large sports park for the primary purpose of hosting championships 6

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and events for visiting athletes and their families. The mission of the park is to have a positive economic impact on Warren County and continue to bring in both regional and national sports tourism.

Construction for the Warren County Sports Park began in February of 2018 and is estimated to be completed by spring 2020.

“We needed the facility because we already booked up our other facilities,” says Ben Huffman, certified sports event executive and director of sports enterprises for the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The market is changing a little in the world of sport tourism, there’s a park of this size happening in every state. This destination sports park built for tournament play will definitely grow our business and drive economic impact through visitation.”

The new park sits on 106 acres of land along state Route 741 and consists of two wings—an east wing and a west—connected by 20 acres of open space. The West Wing will contain 12 multipurpose grass fields, 12 soccer fields, 12 lacrosse fields, 18 Ultimate Frisbee fields, a playground, walking trails and more. The East Wing will host two synthetic regulation-sized soccer fields, six baseball/softball fields, LED sports lighting and concession stands among other amenities. Across from the West Wing is a 311-acre public park, Warren County Armco Park, set on a 110-acre lake near Shaker Run Golf

TOP: An aerial rendering of the completed Warren County Sports Park.

ABOVE: 2018 groundbreaking ceremony before construction.

Club. Altogether, Armco Park and the new sports park will form a 400-acre outdoor district near the heart of Warren County.

“We have been nationally recognized as a premier sports destination,” says Huffman, “and [Warren County Sports Park] will give people another reason to come visit Warren County and see what we have to offer.”

The new sports park will add to the area’s growing legacy as a regional and national destination for indoor and outdoor sports.

Within Warren Count y’s borders are spacious parks, numerous golf courses and a celebrated baseball complex, the Kevin C. Barnhill Championship Field.

Most notably, the biggest stars in tennis gather to compete in the Western & Southern Open every August at the world-class Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason.

And, in 2018, the World Flying Disc Federation—the international governing body for disc sports such as Ultimate Frisbee—held the World Ultimate Club Championships in Warren County. The national event brought 128 teams from 36 countries and over $3 million dollars in tourism to the region. n

ED UC ATI O N

An Education Revolution BUTLER TECH IS CREATING A NEW EDUCATIONAL MODEL TO BETTER PREPARE STUDENTS FOR ENTERING A CHANGING WORKFORCE

By Kevin Michell

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he path from primary school to higher education has become a sort of assembly line in the United States, funneling students through 13 years or more spent in classrooms with little room for adaptability. Butler Tech and its CEO and superintendent Jon Graft want to change that by establishing a new educational model for the 21st century.

The career technical and development school, with its five campuses in Fairfield, Monroe, West Chester, Middletown and Liberty Township, prepares students for entering the workforce through forward-

thinking programs and methods.

“Businesses tell us that they need creative, collaborative, thought-provoking employees in an emerging industry that we don’t know yet what those jobs will be like,” Graft says.

“We’ve made a conscious decision that we are charging ourselves with a new educational model and we’re going to end that outdated, one-size-fits-all process.”

That model starts with what Butler Tech has already been doing for years: expanding the scope of career tech education beyond what people commonly associate with it. Its programs are focusing more on emergent industries resulting from the intertwining of existing ones—such as manufacturing, logistics and health care—with the rapid advancement of technology through artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, a concept referred to as Industry 4.0.

The school has forged partnerships with 11 area school districts, enrolling over 16,000 middle school and high school students in

Butler Tech health care students learn about phlebotomy.

its Career-Technical Education (CTE) programs. Of that number, nearly 50 percent are currently in one of Butler Tech’s full two-year CTE programs in fields such as health science, information technology and engineering and science technology.

Butler Tech students can gain industry credentials upon graduation, valuable experience in their field of study and college credit through Ohio’s College Credit Plus program. This allows for an easier transition to the next step in a student’s career, whether that entails attending a two or four-year college or entering the workforce with the advantage of having more practical experience under their belt.

Gaining industry experience is a crucial element of Butler Tech’s new educational model. Graft sees CTE as the venue where the widening skills gap between the jobs Industry 4.0 will require and the qualifications of the existing workforce can be most acutely addressed.

“What I’ve said to our staff and to our fellow educators is that we have to move faster than the speed of business,” Graft explains.

“Because, one, we have been behind for a number of years, so we not only have to play catch-up to get up to speed but we actually E X P L O R E N O R T H E R N C I N C I N N AT I 2 0 19

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EDUC ATI O N have to go faster so that we can be forwardthinking, so that when [industries] say, ‘We have 1,000 positions available over the next five years,’ we can say to them, ‘We already have the program in place, we already have the curriculum designed in partnership with you and we already have the programs installed and a pipeline ready for you.’”

Butler Tech recently announced the Fifth Day Experience, a four-day school week on all its campuses starting in 2020 that leaves Friday open for students to pursue co-op work, internships, on-the-job training or shadowing, getting a head start on college courses or anything else that advances their pursuit of a career.

Graft says the Fifth Day Experience draws inspiration from European-style apprenticeship integrated into secondary education, particularly the Swiss model where on-site job experience is most of a student’s week, with classroom instruction happening during the remainder. Swiss apprenticeship programs are closely attuned to the country’s labor market trends and economic status, adapting to the vocational needs of Switzerland’s employers and economy.

Not only is this model effective at better preparing young people to enter an evolving workforce but it also incentivizes businesses to participate.

“They have quantitatively defined what the return on investment is for the business to have apprenticeships,” Graft says. “They know and understand that these students are not necessarily going to produce product at the level of a senior or veteran employee, but they do know that they are investing in this student, teaching them the trade, but at the same time they’re creating product, which is revenue and profit for these companies.”

Allowing students one day every week to pursue opportunities outside of the classroom has corporations and higher learning institutions excited for the possibilities.

Many other schools are watching Butler Tech’s Fifth Day Experience with interest as they consider adopting the model for their own curricula. “We’ve had an overwhelming positive response from businesses and the industry, as well as our colleges and universities,” Graft says. It’s a win-win proposition—students get to personalize their learning experience, businesses have a chance to acclimate students with the evolving needs of their industries through on-site involvement and colleges have an opportunity to prepare students for the next 8

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Students at Butler Tech receive valuable hands-on education, training and job site experience in many fields and industries.

step in their continuing education.

This is a vital shift, Graft points out, for an education system that is often training students for jobs that may not even exist five to 10 years hence. Which is why Graft and Butler Tech are particularly enthusiastic about their new programs in mechatronics and aviation exploration.

Mechatronics is a field of study particularly focused on Industry 4.0 issues. Skilled manufacturing is requiring graduates to have a background in welding, familiarity with robotics and the Internet of Things and training in IT in order to properly fill workplace roles now and in the near future.

Butler Tech’s program aims to directly address this by giving students training in electronics, robotics, mechanical engineering, pneumatics and IT integration. In addition, students on this track can attain an ABET-accredited associate degree in mechanical engineering technology.

“A lot of programs were sort of in silos,” Graft observes. “You were either in welding or you were in construction or you were in robotics or you were in IT. Mechatronics sort of became the hybrid that our future workforce needs to know a little bit about all of that.”

Graft compares it to horse-and-buggy vendors in the time of the first automobiles.

While at first a new technology may threaten to make an industry obsolete, there also exists an opportunity to thrive with a slight adjustment. Successful mechanics transitioned from fixing the axles and wheels on buggies to servicing cars by gaining knowledge of the new technology and appending it to their

existing practical experience.

“That’s what education is supposed to be about,” Graft says, “preparing students to adapt to those changing needs.”

That, too, applies to Butler Tech’s course track in aviation exploration. Aerial transportation is an industry continuing to grow through increased usage of unmanned aerial systems such as drones. By next year there are expected to be 2,000 jobs related to drone operations and technology in Ohio alone.

Butler Tech will use its proximity to regional airfields in Butler County to provide students in this program hands-on experience in operations, logistics, maintenance and repair.

Butler Tech and Graft will continue to innovate in the world of education and blur the lines between the high school, college and professional experiences, driven by the belief that a better system of education can create monumental improvements in the United States workforce and economy at large. All the while, businesses and other institutions of education watch their steps toward a better model with great anticipation and hope.

“A lot of public entities are risk-averse,” says Graft. “But when you have the support of a group of people that say, ‘We’re going to stop admiring the problem and begin creating solutions,’ you gain momentum. It’s really remarkable the support you get when you say, ‘We’re going to solve it.’” n

H E A LTH C A R E

Close to Home RESIDENTS HAVE MANY OPTIONS TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES

By Eric Spangler

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esidents in the communities north of Cincinnati have plenty of health care options that provide high-level care close to home.

One of the oldest health care institutions in the North is Kettering Health Network’s Fort Hamilton Hospital at 630 Eaton Ave. in Hamilton, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2019. “Ninety years in a community is exciting for us,” says Ron Connovich, president of Fort Hamilton Hospital. “We have been here, we have grown and we have been a stable partner with the community.”

That growth continues today, he says.

The hospital, which is licensed for 310 beds, is currently expanding its cancer services on the third floor of the physician office building located on the hospital campus in Hamilton, says Connovich.

The 12,600-square-foot third floor is being remodeled and, once completed, the new space will provide 16 private and

semiprivate infusion bays to accommodate chemotherapy patients, the latest in radiation therapy technology and 10 clinical exam rooms designed to enhance care for cancer patients.

“Oncology is a service of high demand in our community and right now it’s very fractured on how those services are provided,” says Connovich. The new cancer services expansion will include advanced breast cancer care, medical oncology and radiation oncology, he says.

“This is a full-service oncology service line for us that we believe is going to be very beneficial to the community,” Connovich says.

The hospital also recently opened its renovated special care nursery that offers around-the-clock access to neonatologists, a neonatal respiratory team, special-care nurses and state-of-the-art equipment.

“That will augment our services in our [obstetrics] service line,” he says.

TOP: External photo of Fort Hamilton Hospital in Hamilton, Ohio.

ABOVE: Ron Connovich, president of Fort Hamilton Hospital.

Another area of growth is primary care, says Connovich. A new medical office building—Hamilton Health Center on Main at 1391 Main St.—opened in April to provide offices for eight primary care physicians, he says.

“We need more primary care physicians,” says Connovich. “It’s all about access so our patients are not waiting and the community can get right in for the services that they need.” Imaging and lab services E X P L O R E N O R T H E R N C I N C I N N AT I 2 0 19

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H E A LTH C A R E will also be available in the building.

A new interventional spine program for patients suffering from back pain was recently opened, he says. “We get you in and we do the prescreening and look at what’s going on and get you in for the appropriate services necessary,” Connovich says. “Having those services here in the community is a real blessing. And I’m just getting so much positive feedback on making sure that patients don’t have to leave Hamilton.”

It is both convenient to be able to stay in the community and also safer, especially for those who suffer a stroke, he says.

“When these [life] squads pick up patients that are experiencing stroke, time is of the essence,” Connovich says.

“If there’s a delay where you have to drive 15, 20 miles through traffic and so on that can sometimes be up to half an hour and that can dramatically change a patient’s life,” he says. “And so being here for that immediate access and that immediate response is vitally important.”

Fort Hamilton Hospital is expected to be certified as a primary stroke center bishop-fenwick_dayton_april-19_ad.pdf

A rendering of Hamilton Health Center on Main, which opened in April 2019.

soon and it’s also upgrading its radiology equipment to be able to conduct real-time studies on the brain to see if a blood clot needs to be removed in the brain, Connovich says. “This is high-tech, leading technology and we’re at the forefront of it.”

Another health care facility in the North with leading technology combined with academic expertise is UC Health’s West Chester Hospital, 7700 University Drive Township. The hospital is 1in West 4/4/19Chester 10:33 AM

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celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2019.

“So we started out as a community hospital where we did a little bit of everything but I think one of the big differentiators—and what we really bring to the community—is being part of UC Health, our academic expertise,” says Tom Daskalakis, chief administrative officer of UC Health’s West Chester Hospital.

That means the hospital has offices for “high-end” physician specialists so

The main entrance to UC Health’s West Chester Hospital.

residents in the North don’t have to travel elsewhere, such as the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, for specialty services.

“We have over 800 physicians that have very unique specialties,” says Daskalakis.

“And when you have that kind of level of expertise that actually come here and practice here it raises the bar for us.”

L i ke For t Ha m i lton Hospita l, UC Health’s West Chester Hospital has also expanded the services that it offers since it was founded. That includes opening an epilepsy-monitoring unit to help treat epilepsy patients, opening a maternity unit with a Level 2 neonatal intensive

care unit, conducting neurosurgery and opening a “world-renowned” headache center, says Daskalakis.

UC Health’s West Chester Hospital is also a certified primary stroke center and a Level 3 trauma center, he says. “And what’s unique about the Level 3 trauma is those are staffed by physicians that are Level 1 doctors,” says Daskalakis. “So those are the physicians that take care of what I would say are those absolutely horrific traumas.”

The hospital expects to add more services in the future since the UC Health’s West Chester Hospital campus was constructed with expansion in mind. “I see us

continuing to grow the specialty services that we currently offer,” says Daskalakis.

It’s all part of offering its patients the care they need close to home so their loved ones can visit and they can heal quickly, he says. “That whole process of healing is being as close to home as possible,” says Daskalakis. “And I think that is a big thing that we’ve done.”

Other health care facilities in the North include The Christ Hospital Medical Center at 6939 Cox Road in Liberty Township; Cincinnati Children’s Liberty Campus at 7777 Yankee Road in Liberty Township; Bethesda Butler Hospital at 3125 Hamilton-Mason Road in Hamilton; Fairfield Hospital at 3000 Mack Road in Fairfield; McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital at 110 N. Poplar St. in Oxford; Atrium Medical Center at 1 Medical Center Drive in Middletown; Lindner Center of HOPE at 4075 Old Western Row Road in Mason; and Bethesda North Hospital at 10500 Montgomery Road in Montgomery. In addition, construction is underway for the TriHealth Liberty medical center at 8020 Liberty Way in West Chester Township. It is expected to open in 2020. n

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ENTERTA I N M ENT

Six Exciting Event and Entertainment Destinations

By Corinne Minard

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here’s no need to head into the city for entertainment when you live in the North—the region is filled with unique locations and attractions to keep everyone in the family entertained. From the high-energy action of amusement parks to the calming outdoors of the area’s parks, the North has it all.

KINGS ISLAND Home to 11 roller coasters, five thrill rides, 13 family attractions and 19 kids’ rides, Kings Island in Mason has something for everyone.

Notable features include The Beast, the world’s longest wooden roller coaster; the park’s award-winning children’s area, Planet Snoopy; and the new Kings Mills Antique Autos, a nostalgic car ride the whole family can enjoy together. Open through Oct. 27. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island. visitkingsisland.com.

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ENTERTA I N M ENT

PYRAMID HILL SCULPTURE PARK & MUSEUM

FULL THROTTLE It’s easy to feel competitive when you’re racing karts at speeds that can reach 40 miles per hour. Full Throttle Karting in Tri County offers eight-minute high-speed race sessions on its indoor track that can accommodate drivers from age 4 to 94. In

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addition to racing, Full Throttle also has axe-throwing lanes where participants over the age of 14 can learn and practice this medieval skill. M-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sa 11 a.m.-midnight, Su 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 11725 Commons Drive, Cincinnati. gofullthrottle.com.

This 300-acre park is an art lover’s dream thanks to 60-plus outdoor sculptures and its Ancient Sculpture Museum. Visitors can walk the park or rent a cart, taking in the park’s beautiful grounds while traveling among the sculptures. Featured pieces include the temporary Boaz Vaadia’s stone family (hosted in the park through April 2021) and the permanent Abracadabra by Alexander Liberman. Hours vary by day and season. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. pyramidhill.org.

THE OHIO CHALLENGE BALLOON FESTIVAL

and fans who would prefer to stay on the ground. The two-day festival includes a The annual Ohio Challenge Balloon Festi- sanctioned hot-air balloon competition, Cincy hot-air 7.5x4.874_April_v1.pdf 1 2/28/19 11:49 AM val is for both balloon aficionados in which 30 teams compete for a spot in

Nationals; a nightly balloon glow; balloon rides; a car show; biplane rides; fireworks; and more. July 19-20. 2301 Wedekind Drive, Middletown. ohiochallenge.com.

True Celtic Returns!

July 26-28

Dayton’s First and Free Celtic Fest Returns.

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ENTERTA I N M ENT

SHARONVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER With both an art gallery and 140-seat theater, the Sharonville Cultural Arts Center is full of opportunities to take in creative works.

This year, the Westheimer Gallery will host “Mindful Metamorphosis” by Juli Ryan, an exhibit that focuses on Ryan’s struggles with mental illness, and “It’s Not Over…Yet” by Samantha Amoroso, a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati. New exhibits

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premiere on the first Friday of each month with a special reception. For those more interested in theater, you can check out upcoming children’s shows like The Jungle Book and Willy Wonka. 11165 Reading Road, Cincinnati. sharonvilleculturalarts.org.

METROPARKS OF BUTLER COUNTY Butler County is filled with opportunities to get outdoors thanks to Metroparks of Butler County and its 11 locations. At

Chrisholm Park, for example, visitors can explore the Chrisholm Historic Farmstead and its 1874 farmhouse. Forest Run Metropark is where animal enthusiasts can observe wildlife in their natural

mason dance center

habitat in the Wildlife Reserve Area. And at Voice of America Metropark, boaters can rent rowboats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. 11 locations in Butler County. yourmetroparks.net.

ballet  tap  jazz  hip-hop  acro  modern pre-dance combos  intensive programs

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DINING

Phoenician Taverna in Mason

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Six Northern Dining Hot Spots

By Kevin Michell

Phoenician Taverna in Mason

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he dining scene north of Route 126 is steadily growing in prominence.

New additions and old favorites alike are benefitting from more foodies and families in the region who are looking for interesting places to grab a bite. Here are six restaurants in Northern Cincinnati particularly worth checking out.

PHOENICIAN TAVERNA Wassim Matar’s restaurant has a robust Lebanese menu and a classy interior dÊcor that belies its strip mall setting in Mason.

Come with an appetite—the many Phoenician food options available run the gamut from kibbeh and baba ghannouge to fatteh bel and shwarma. Try to save room for dessert or at least finish your meal with a Lebanese coffee.

7944 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason E X P L O R E N O R T H E R N C I N C I N N AT I 2 0 19

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DINING TELA BAR + KITCHEN Route 4 north of Ronald Reagan Highway is home to a plethora of unique cafes, diners and eateries. One of the highlights is Wyoming’s Tela Bar + Kitchen, a gastropub set in a vibrant glass and brick building.

Enjoy a wide array of shareable options like mussels and the charcuterie board or dig into a savory entrée. Tela is great for both lunch and dinner and is also vegan and vegetarian friendly.

1212 Springfield Pike, Wyoming

COACH HOUSE TAVERN Once a members-only establishment, Hamilton’s Coach House Tavern is heading into its third year of being open to the public. The restaurant offers carefully crafted comfort cuisine in a welcoming setting nestled in Berkley Square. Coach House Tavern is a great dining option for groups and family get-togethers because of its atmosphere and its menu that features a little something for everyone’s tastes.

100 Berkeley Drive, Hamilton

Visit cincymagazine.com to find your favorite new restaurant and sign up for your complimentary subscription.

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VINCENZO’S

FIRESIDE CAFÉ Some restaurants may boast large menus, but Fireside Café in Liberty Township has a truly impressive selection of salads, sandwiches, Italian dishes and meaty entrees. Chef and co-owner Ali Bas runs the restaurant with his wife Ayten, who aim to serve all their guests like family in a pleasant, casual setting. Those looking to take home a little more than leftovers can grab a bottle of wine on the way out.

6752 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty Township

RIVERTOWN BREWERY AND BARREL HOUSE

Just up the road from the Sharonville Convention Center, Vincenzo’s has been a reliable gem of authentic Italian cuisine for over 20 years. Enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere for lunch or dinner while diving into a dizzying array of pasta dishes.

First-timers can start with familiar favorites like tortellini Bolognese or savor the house special: the misto di mare, featuring rock shrimp, scallops and salmon over veggies and pasta or risotto.

11525 Chester Road, Sharonville n

This Cincinnati brewery’s Monroe home has become quite the destination since opening in 2017. Not only does the Barrel House serve as taproom for Rivertown’s beers, but its food—headlined by the barbecue offerings—is starting to make waves of its own. Owner Jason Roeper and chef Zac Payton have together developed a menu full of slow-smoked meats, hearty starters and impressive sandwiches.

6550 Hamilton Lebanon Road, Monroe

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PARTNER PROFILE

Cincinnati School of Music 6682 Tri Way Drive • Mason, OH 45040 513-560-9175 • CincinnatiSchoolofMusic.com Cincinnati School of Music (CSM) is a family-owned company established

by Joe and Anna Backer, a husband and wife team with a passion for music and community. The Backers started CSM as a professional educational space and community where professional musicians could share their talents and passions by teaching music to students of all ages and abilities in the community.

CSM offers private music lessons in piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, violin, drums and more. Our goal is to foster confidence and creativity in students of all ages through exceptional musical learning. With our outstanding faculty, unparalleled customer service, innovative programs and excellent facilities, we strive to transform lives and bolster our community through music education. With three convenient locations in Olde Montgomery, Mason and Anderson, CSM provides easy access and flexible hours to accommodate today’s busy families. Named one of Ohio’s 50 Best Workplaces two years in a row, voted “Best Music Instruction” in Cincy Magazine four years in a row and recognized as “The Face of Music Instruction” in Cincinnati Magazine, CSM takes pride in continuing to meet and exceed our community’s expectations!

CSM is the only music school in Cincinnati that offers Level Up—a fun and innovative nationally recognized student achievement program that helps students and parents better understand and track their musical progress in lessons. Participating students can earn prizes for their accomplishments through this program, helping to maintain motivation and excitement about practicing! Parents stay informed with

automatic progress updates as their child achieves musical milestones.

Additionally, CSM is the only music school in Cincinnati that offers music lessons in three convenient locations with availability seven days a week!

CSM has helpful and friendly office staff available to assist students and parents with scheduling requests and any other questions seven days a week.

CSM hosts monthly Student Recitals so there are ample performance opportunities for students to showcase their skills. Another fun perk of being a CSM student is our annual Student Picture Day where students can get a professional headshot with their musical instrument!

CSM focuses on music lessons for children, teens and adults in piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, violin, viola, cello, drums, clarinet and flute. We welcome beginners, intermediate and advanced level students!

SH O PPI N G

Six Chic Shopping Districts of the North

By Kevin Michell

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inding somewhere to shop in northern Cincinnati is no trouble at all. Anyone can find a district or mall to fit their style or needs, whether that entails hunting for antique treasures, one-of-a-kind boutiques or malls brimming with name-brand items.

CINCINNATI PREMIUM OUTLETS

CENTRAL AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN MIDDLETOWN Middletown is on the upswing and several blocks of Central Avenue downtown show off its blend of charming community atmosphere and unique personality. Check out not one, but two incredible glass studios in BeauVerre Riordan and Haute Fusion. Pop into Lester’s Rock N Roll Shop and spend an hour perusing the selection of vinyl records, instruments and skateboards.

Plus, you can get your energy up before or after browsing the many boutiques on the street with a coffee from Triple Moon Coffee Company or a sweet treat from Central Pastry Shop.

Shopping deals abound at this Monroe mall, where some of the world’s biggest brands have stores. Visitors can take advantage of discounted products from Izod, Loft, Aldo, Sperry and many more.

Cincinnati Premium Outlets is more than just outlets, though, with traditional stores from Coach, Brooks Brothers and Calvin Klein—just to name a few—also on the property. If the over 80 stores on-site don’t completely scratch the itch, head just a few minutes north to check out the two giant flea markets in the area.

collectible, curious, unique or vintage can be found. While the plethora of items for sale lends itself to hours of browsing, the mall also offers a free personal shopper service for those looking for that one specific something among the hundreds of booths.

OHIO VALLEY ANTIQUE MALL Ever wanted to step into an antique mall so large that the aisles have street names?

Ohio Valley Antique Mall inhabits over 85,000 square feet of building off state Route 4 in Fairfield and features a wide array of wares sold by over 550 vendors. Between the hundreds of sellers almost anything E X P L O R E N O R T H E R N C I N C I N N AT I 2 0 19

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SH O PPI N G

GLENDALE VILLAGE SQUARE Close to Tri-County Mall and the many shopping options on Kemper, this little gem of independent stores is tucked away at the intersection of East Sharon Road and Greenville Avenue. Take a relaxing break from hitting the retailers of Sharonville by perusing Stitches Quilt Shop and the Village Gift Shop at the historic Century House. After that, unwind and enjoy the peacefulness of Village Square at Village Wines, the Piccolo Wine Room and Bluebird Bakery. If you’re feeling especially hungry, walk just a few steps to either Meritage or Cock & Bull for a nice, hearty meal in a tranquil and idyllic setting.

PARTNER PROFILE ADVERTISER

Middletown Visitors Bureau 1500 Central Ave. • Middletown, OH 45042 • 513-320-8477 • itsmiddletown.org #itsmiddletown It’s a place full of curiosity where rich heritage provides for delightful discoveries. We are an evolving community grounded by the past, where hard work makes for unencumbered play and surprising connections. We are spunky, gritty and full of Midwestern heart.

Come for adventure or a place to kick back. Come for a bite or a beer or a bit of art and culture. From our main street charm and our riverway trails to our lively block parties, Middletown is bursting with hidden treasures, unforgettable surprises, and honestto-goodness fun. We work hard, play even harder and are quick to raise our glass to friends, new and old.

Middletown is your midpoint for new discoveries— join us sometime! We’ll be here—mid-step, mid-air, mid-way—living and laughing at all of our favorite places. #itsmiddletown

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MONTGOMERY SQUARE This neighborhood fixture has continued to evolve with the times since its 1966 grand opening. Four expansions and over 50 years later, the shopping center across Montgomery Road from Camargo Cadillac is a pleasant mix of neighborhood amenities and unique retailers. Check out Sunny Olive and prepare to be amazed at just how different and tasty different varieties of olive oil can be. Visitors can also stop by the only SAS Shoes store in the Cincinnati area to find comfort footwear that caters to those with chronic foot pain or circulatory issues. n

LIBERTY CENTER Liberty Township’s young beating heart is a development mixing condos, shopping options, restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Spread across its 100 acres is a vast selection of retailers running the gamut from nationwide clothiers like H&M and Old Navy to local companies like Rookwood Pottery and Sorella Boutique. Liberty Center is more than just the stores—recurring events include trivia night, yoga and family story time at MidPointe Library, making it a shopping destination with plenty more to enjoy after the bargain hunting is done.

PARTNER PROFILE

Butler Tech

3603 Hamilton Middletown Rd. • Fairfield Township, OH 45011 • 513-645-5449 • butlertech.org High school students in Butler Tech’s two-year programs receive career training along with completing their academic courses for graduation. More than 50 industry credentials and free college credit are available for students to earn during their Butler Tech experience. Butler Tech’s adult division provides programming to meet the ever-changing skills demand of 21st century industry. From healthcare and the arts to construction, manufacturing and transportation, Butler Tech provides a purpose for every passion.

New offerings for the 2019-2020 school calendar include 14, four-day school weeks for students and teachers—Fridays for students become “The Fifth Day Experience” allowing use of the off-day for personalized learning and growth outside a traditional classroom—Aviation Exploration, which prepares students for a future in avionics, and Mechatronics, a hybrid of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, which allows students the opportunity to graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Butler Tech connects secondary and adult students to career technical education. Offering over 200 unique courses, Butler Tech’s passionate educators are on a shared mission to prepare students who are career-ready and college-prepared.

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R ETI R E M ENT

Attentive Senior Living Communities in Northern Cincinnati

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R ETI R E M ENT FOUR FACILITIES PROVIDE A COMBINATION OF LONG-TERM CARE AND VIBRANT SOCIAL PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS

By Kevin Michell

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inding a good assisted living community for parents or loved ones is a tough process—nothing is more important in that time than finding a place where they can be happy, comfortable and close to care options when needed.

Northern Cincinnati is fortunate to have many senior living facilities from which to choose. The following four communities provide an appealing blend of location, living options, amenities and care resources for seniors.

HILLANDALE CHESTERWOOD VILLAGE, WEST CHESTER The Hillandale Family of Communities has been serving Butler County seniors and their families for over 50 years, with two villages and a care center in Northern Cincinnati. Its Chesterwood Village, located

just across Tylersville Road from Voice of America Park in West Chester, offers some of the most inventive amenities in senior living to pair with its care offerings.

The large facility has attractive social spaces such as an indoor “Main Street” boardwalk, containing a movie theater, salon, café, pub, ice cream parlor, chapel, and exercise/physical therapy room. Chesterwood Village also has a greenhouse, community clubhouse, indoor walking area with lots of natural lighting and several outdoor spaces. Regular events include visiting speakers on a range of historical and educational topics, musical performances and exercise programs, among others.

But Hillandale’s facility also puts the same attention to detail into its resident care options. Chesterwood Village offers progressive, continuing care that allows for residents to transition from independent living in luxury on-site suites through longterm nursing care and memory-assisted care, if the latter is ever needed. Additionally, the campus is just 1 mile from UC Health’s West Chester Hospital for any emergencies or urgent care. The nursing staff can assist

with outpatient rehabilitation and therapy after any hospital stays. Chesterwood Village offers varying levels of care that are all administered with attentiveness and the dignity of residents in mind.

BICKFORD OF MIDDLETOWN Bickford Senior Living is a company that takes a uniquely familial approach to supporting its senior residents. Founded in the early 1990s in Kansas and still family-owned to this day, Bickford has expanded to 66 Midwestern facilities that all value providing social wellness and attentive physical care to its residents in equal measure.

Bickford of Middletown is situated on a 7-acre lot east of the city itself, nearly halfway between Monroe and Franklin. The expansive property features several outdoor spaces nestled in among the building’s wings and is located just up the street from both a VA clinic and the Atrium Medical Center.

The community maintains a full calendar of socials for residents and loves its themed events, making sure to have a special menu and activities for anything from Kentucky Derby Day and Mardi Gras to random ca-

Well-being is not just one thing.

IT’S EVERYTHING. Select one bedroom apartments starting at $2600*

513-906-4452 Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation | AL License #1883 R 230 West Galbraith Road | Cincinnati, OH 45215 W W W. S E N I O R L I F E S T Y L E . C O M

* Valid 4/01/2019 through 05/24/2019. Independent Living one-bedroom units priced between approximately $2600-$3900/month. All move-ins must qualify for lease agreement and take financial responsibility by 05/24/2019. Only available to private pay move-ins. Cannot be combined with any other bonus or offer. The referred person must be 62 years or older and be new to Senior Lifestyle. We will verify eligibility through a review of our database. Offer based on room availability. Move-in subject to applicable statutes and regulations. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Reach out to Evergreen Retirement Community for additional information.

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sino nights and county fair days. There’s always something to participate in but no pressure placed on residents to join if it’s not their cup of tea.

Bickford values its tight-knit staff of nurses, caregivers and assistants to complete a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for residents and visitors. And the care they provide is something Bickford of Middletown takes serious pride in. The nurses work with residents’ physicians to coordinate care, with on-site caregivers providing personal attention to their needs. The facility and staff are also equipped to administer urgent care

when needed—supported by the nearby hospital—and memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Its parent company was also recognized late last year by McKnight’s Senior Living with the 2018 Excellence in Technology Award for its wireless nurse call and wander management—alerts and alarms for memory care residents who may walk outside of the safety of their area of the facility—systems.

TRIPLE CREEK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, COLERAIN Triple Creek Retirement Community offers

adaptable care options for residents in a residential neighborhood of Colerain Township. Managed by Trilogy Health Services of Louisville—which runs over 100 retirement facilities in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan—Triple Creek focuses on helping its residents maintain an active lifestyle, whether they are moving from their own home to independent living on campus or they need more attentive assisted living.

The community is conveniently situated for resident activities. It’s close to green spaces like Winton Woods and the shopping and dining options on Colerain and Hamilton avenues, allowing for quick offcampus trips for residents. Triple Creek is also very close to Interstate 275, allowing for easy day trips to destinations like Great American Ballpark and the Cincinnati Zoo. Triple Creek’s residency options span from independent living villas for seniors who need little assistance but want a simpler living space to an assisted living package for those who need some day-to-day help from the facility’s 24-hour skilled nursing care. Triple Creek also offers short-term care and rehabilitation for seniors recovering

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R ETI R E M ENT from recent hospital stays for acute care.

Families of residents can take comfort in its close proximity to Mercy Health’s Fairfield Hospital just under 5 miles away, in case any urgent health issues arise.

On-site activities at Triple Creek are varied and happening all the time. Art and music programs, exercise classes, spirituality services, travel clubs and culinary experiences are available every month. Trilogy takes particular pride in its Live a Dream program, where seniors can experience exciting activities they always wanted to do but never had the chance to, like skydiving, riding in a hot air balloon or zip lining.

OTTERBEIN SENIORLIFE NEIGHBORHOOD, MAINEVILLE Lebanon-based Otterbein has been providing senior living options in southwest Ohio for over 100 years as a non-profit organization. The company’s SeniorLife Neighborhoods offer a blend of privacy and community—Maineville’s campus features five buildings with individual suites for residents that open onto shared areas for dining, activities and relaxation. Its long-standing

Shared dining area at Otterbein’s SeniorLife Neighborhood. association with the United Methodist Church adds an extra layer of spirituality and stewardship to the care they provide.

Otterbein of Maineville is set on a quiet private street off of state Route 48. This continuing care facility focuses on providing skilled nursing for seniors living there, from long-term residency and short-term convalescence to hospice and memory care. The community focuses on supporting seniors with a progressive, sustainable plan of health services, adapting its care model to

each resident’s current and long-term needs.

The “small house” neighborhood format of the community gives residents a high level of care and attention in a home-like setting far different from hospital-style nursing homes. Otterbein’s principles of autonomy, holistic support and life enjoyment are placed at the forefront with events, exercise programs and more. The Maineville campus is a senior living option supported by Otterbein’s innovation in the field of continuing care. n

PARTNER PROFILE

Otterbein SeniorLife

585 N State Route 741 • Lebanon, Ohio 45036513-932-2020 • otterbein.org Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices is a health and human health services ministry that has been serving southwestern Ohio for 104 years. In keeping with our United Methodist tradition, Otterbein seeks to enhance the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons. We believe as children of God every individual has the right to a lifestyle of their choosing no matter what care and support is needed.

Otterbein operates six continuing care Senior Lifestyle Communities that provide the choice of independent living residences, assisted living and long-stay nursing, memory support, in-home wellness services or post-hospital rehabilitative care.

We also run nine Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitative Neighborhoods, the new standard of excellence in nursing home care. Otterbein “small house” neighborhoods—which include five homes supporting 10 elders each—are unlike other skilled nursing environments, designed for people to live and recover gracefully. The focus is on person-centered care in a home-like environment with private suites, shared dining/living room spaces, home-cooked meals and personalized rehabilitative care programs.

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Also offered are “in-the-home” and community-based services, including home health, wellness services and hospice ministries that bring skilled health care professionals directly to patients, regardless if they are Otterbein campus residents.

Otterbein’s SeniorLife Communities have campuses in Cridersville, Lebanon, Pemberville, Lakeside Marblehead and St. Marys as well as Franklin, Indiana. Our SeniorLife Neighborhoods are located in Gahanna, Loveland, Maineville, Middletown, Monclova, New Albany, Perrysburg, Springboro and Union Township.

LOVE TH E N O RTH

Caroline Bell, photographer Sharon Woods E X P L O R E N O R T H E R N C I N C I N N AT I 2 0 19

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IN SCIENCE LIVES HOPE.

We are the authors of breakthroughs and ambassadors of hope.

Discover Dave’s journey at uchealth.com/discoverhope