NKY Magazine Spring 2020

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

What’s New at the Newport Aquarium

Holy Cross High School Broadens Its Curriculum

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BRU Burger Bar in Fort Mitchell

New & Old Favorites in the NKY Dining Scene

PLUS: LOCAL DINING LISTINGS

NKY International Festival

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Eat Well. Enjoy Life.

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NKY CONTENTS

Spring 2020 NKY RESTAURANT GUIDE 2020 Find your new favorite dining spot or rediscover an old one from this selection of 12 Northern Kentucky restaurants.

BY THE EDITORS

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INSIDE NKY

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NKY RESTAURANT GUIDE

The first-ever NKY International Festival promises to be the start of an annual tradition. BY KEVIN MICHELL

Find your new favorite dining spot or rediscover an old one from this selection of 12 Northern Kentucky restaurants. BY THE EDITORS

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SCENE COMMENT

DINING LISTINGS NEWPORT AQUARIUM

The new year brings a familiar fear for many men. BY RICK ROBINSON

A big new exhibit comes to the aquarium as the Levee ushers in a new vision for the future. BY JULI HALE

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34 BEST WOKRPLACES IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY

FROM JUDY’S DESK

Recognizing the legacy of three great Northern Kentuckians. BY JUDY CLABES

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HISTORY

Johann Schmitt’s art is hidden in plain sight throughout the Tristate. BY DAVE E. SCHROEDER

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GUEST COLUMN

Kenton County Schools look forward to providing a bright future to students BY DR. HENRY WEBB

16 BEHRINGER-CRAWFORD MUSEUM Previewing Spring 2020 exhibits with Laurie Risch. BY KEVIN MICHELL

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A&E CALENDAR NKY HOME

A & A Lawncare provides the service and expertise to make any lawn beautiful. BY ERIC SPANGLER

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A new year brings w ith it excitement and anticipation.

Because of that, you can’t blame us for wanting to fit two great features into this fi rst issue of 2020.

First, our Restaurant Guide returns with a selection of 12 eateries from around the region ranging from fast casual joints to elevated dining experiences. We hope you’ll fi nd a new place to try lunch or dinner or be reminded of a restaurant worth visiting again among the dozen profi led within the section.

Just a few pages later, you’ll fi nd our inaugural Best Workplaces in Northern Kentucky awards.

The initial class of 21 demonstrated excellent commitment to making their office environments and cultures supportive of their current employees and attractive to job seekers. Our editors selected eight for special recognition in facets such as benefits, employee education and charity work.

Also, make sure to clear your calendar for our fi rst Best Workplaces in NKY event on February 27 at Covington’s Metropolitan Club.

Our hope is that you’ll join us in celebrating and supporting the great NKY businesses, organizations and people profi led within these pages.

2020 is thought of as the year of looking ahead and, to us at NKY Magazine, the future for the region looks bright.

—KEVIN MICHELL

Our inaugural Best Workplaces in NKY awards, with superlatives for exceptional qualities. BY THE EDITORS

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HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL

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NKY BUSINESS

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NKY LIVE WELL

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LOVE NKY

The Covington school updates its curriculum for modern students’ needs. BY ERIC SPANGLER

Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning expands its service offerings while staying true to its core philosophy. BY KEVIN MICHELL New dermatology medicines provide doctors with effective ways to treat skin disease. BY ERIC SPANGLER

magazine PUBLISHED BY Locally, family and veteran-owned Cincy Co. LLC Cincinnati Club Building, 30 Garfield Place, Suite 440, Cincinnati, OH 45202 PUBLISHER: Eric Harmon MANAGING EDITOR: Kevin Michell SUPERVISING EDITOR: Corinne Minard ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Eric Spangler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Judy Clabes, Juli Hale, Rick Robinson, David E. Schroeder CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Guy Kelly ART DIRECTOR: Katy Rucker DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR: Danielle Cain ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION MANAGER: Laura Federle AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Nakya Grisby PRODUCTION MANAGER: Keith Ohmer EVENTS DIRECTOR: Stephanie Simon EVENTS COORDINATOR: Amanda Watt ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Rick Seeney ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Katelynn Webb ADVERTISING SALES: Abbey Cummins, Brad Hoicowitz, Donna Sobczak WORK-STUDY STUDENTS: Aixa Velazquez, Comar Watson INTERN: Menna Elarman For questions: email info@BestofNKY.com or call (513) 421-2533. Go to www.BestofNKY.com to get your complimentary subscription of Cincy and NKY magazines.

NKY MAGAZINE SPRING 2020

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Cincy Ad-Feb NKY 20 .qxp_Layout 1 1/15/20 8:05 AM Page 1

DePaul Cristo Rey High School Salutes our Partners

Among those employing DPCR students in Northern Kentucky: Banking

Huntington National Bank

Education

Thomas More University

Entertainment

WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium

Health Care

CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services, Inc. CommonSpirit Health Madonna Manor Inc. St. Elizabeth Healthcare St. Elizabeth Physicians

Logistics

Real Estate

Manufacturing

Social & Youth Services

Verst Logistics

Corporex Companies, LLC

The David J. Joseph Company

Children's Home of Northern Kentucky Learning Grove

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inside NKY

A Global Celebration in Our Backyard The inaugural Northern Kentucky International Festival in March promises a celebration of both the global and local communities

By Ke vin Michell

W

hen the first-ever Northern Kentucky International Festival takes place on March 14 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, it will be the product of a lot of hard work and collaboration that took place across the region.

Inspired by Boone County Schools’ own international celebration and the international advocacy at the heart of Rotary International chapters in Florence, Covington and Kenton County, the festival will offer a Saturday full of global cuisine, entertainment, art and fellowship. Food vendors include local favorites like Sake Bomb Sushi and Korean BBQ and La Mexicana, while booths from Ten Thousand Villages and The Ed Colina Foundation, to name a couple, will be selling arts, crafts and other items. Groups from Sakura Ladies Chorus, Cincinnati-Dayton Taiko and Cincinnati Baila! Dance Academy will be holding performances of international dance and music throughout the day.

Debby Shipp, NKY Chamber of Commerce’s vice president of business growth and international trade, says the festival’s goals align well with the chamber’s mission

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“to promote and support the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy in the Northern Kentucky region through leadership and advocacy, resulting in better quality of life for all.”

“And we mean ‘for all,’” she adds.

The vibrant and diverse international community in Northern Kentucky often gets overlooked, says Jamie Glavic from Scooter Media, which is helping publicize the event free of charge to the NKY Chamber.

“What we’re really wanting to do is bring the community together to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the international community that’s right here in Northern Kentucky,” Glavic says.

The Rotary clubs of Florence, Covington and Kenton County have played a crucial role in organizing the first Northern Kentucky International Festival, with the hope that it becomes an annual tradition in the area.

“Northern Kentucky is really growing rapidly and we are trying to attract talent from around the world, we’re trying to attract businesses from around the world,” says Darren Wurz, former president of

the Covington Rotary Club and one of the lead organizers of the festival. “It seemed like a great opportunity for Rotary to not just do an event and raise money but also to get involved in the community and do something that would really bring our community together, help build community and tie us into the business world.”

Proceeds from the Northern Kentucky International Festival will fund local Rotary causes like the Covington Rotary International Youth Exchange Program—which sends two economically disadvantaged students each year to countries such as France and Brazil to study abroad—and the Uganda Water Project, a favored cause of Rotary International.

Matt Grimes, owner of local landmark restaurant Colonial Cottage and former president of the Rotary Club of Kenton County, is overseeing the recruitment of restaurants specializing in global cuisine while Andrew Kearns, the Kenton County Rotary’s current president, has handled getting sponsorships and participation from Duke Energy, Thomas More University, Gateway Community and Technical College and other prominent organizations.

The Northern Kentucky International Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 14 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington. Admission is free to the public and no advance registration is required to attend. n

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LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! Join our online community and stay in the know!

Stay updated on upcoming events and giveaways.

w w w. b e s t o f n ky. c o m

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NKY SCENE NKYP Holiday Party The Northern Kentucky Young Professionals Holiday Party, organized by the NKY Chamber of Commerce, took place at Braxton Barrel House on December 5, 2019. In addition to socializing over bourbon and beer, attendees donated helpful items for boys and girls to be distributed through Fort Mitchell’s DCCH Center for Children and Families.

Jacob Brooks (left) and Aaron Hanssen of YMCA of Greater Cincinnati

(L to R) Amanda Johannemann of the NKY Chamber of Commerce, Michael Young of Give Back Cincinnati and Mikayla Williams of Scooter Media Company

(L to R) Nathan Chick of Chick-fil-A Newport, Katie Collier of Frost Brown Todd and Lisa Pluckebaum of R.A. Jones

Wes Roberts (left) and Paul Lonnemann (right) of 323 Staffing Solutions with John Enzweiler

Dani Schwarz (left) of RJE Business Interiors and Ashley Bangl of The Madison Event Center

Braxton Barrel House hosted the event with Camporosso providing food for guests

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David Kay (left) of PNC Bank and Michael Raidt of Logan Lavelle Hunt

(L to R) Alex Baker of VonLehman, Matt Angerer of Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront, Ross Emerson of VonLehman, Cory Curry of Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. and Nick Humrick of First Financial Bank

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Point/Arc Joy 2019 The Point/Arc held the 49th edition of its annual JOY event and fundraiser on November 30, 2019 at Jack Casino in downtown Cincinnati. The event, sponsored by Bilz Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance, included a live auction conducted by Mike Kamer, as well as a silent auction, dinner and music from Ben Maile and Don Fangman.

The RemarkABLE Movement Dancers from Expressions Dance Theatre perform for the audience.

Standing: Michael Berling and Jenny Corken; Seated: Jim and Judy Berling

Standing (L to R): Andy VonLehman, Emily Shott, Nick Shott and Gary Hanser; Seated (L to R): Barb VonLehman, Dave Wurtenberger, Joan Wurtenberger and Jan Hanser

Judi Gerding, President of The Point/ Arc, addresses attendees.

The silent auction featured a plethora of items, including many Cincinnati and Kentucky-themed ones.

www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY SCENE

ST. ELIZABETH STYLE SHOW AND LUNCHEON The Cincinnati Airport Marriott hosted a fashion show and luncheon on November 25, 2019, presented by St. Elizabeth Healthcare and the St. Elizabeth Foundation. A preview of 2020 styles from Dillard’s graced the runway as the event raised funds for the development of St. Elizabeth’s Cancer Center.

(L to R) Lisa Frey, VP legal services and general counsel, St. Elizabeth; Bob Hofer, DBL; Laurie Conkright, AVP heart & vascular services, St. Elizabeth; Garren Colvin, President & CEO, St. Elizabeth.

Style Show models and participants gather on stage during the lunchtime event.

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NKY CHAMBER WOMEN’S INITIATIVE ROUNDTABLE The NKY Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiative held a joint roundtable discussion on December 4, 2019 at New Riff Distilling.

This session focused on mindfulness tools such as meditation and was led by Claire Parsons of Covington law firm Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing.

Claire Parsons speaks to roundtable attendees about tips for mindfulness.

Attendees to the Women’s Initiative Roundtable participate in meditative techniques.

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NKY COMMENT

By Rick Robinson

There’s a Card for That A greeting card may be just the ticket to get men through the scariest time of the year

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t this time of year, one little sentence can strike fear into the hearts of men.

Because of the timing of this article, you might think those words are: “So what did you get me for Valentine’s Day?” Feb. 14, of course, is the day most of us celebrate the martyrdom of Saint Valentine—the third century Roman priest who after his death became the patron saint of Hallmark Cards (NASDAQ: HALL - $18.37 up .04 as of this writing).

The question about gifts on Feb. 14 sends men everywhere scurrying for greeting cards, chocolates, flowers and dinner reservations at Red Lobster. Nothing says I love you like a night of all-you-can-eat popcorn shrimp.

I say “most of us” celebrate this way because some people use the day to mark holy feasts on the Catholic, Anglican or Lutheran church calendars. Al Capone celebrated by killing rival Irish gangsters in a Chicago garage.

But I digress.

The sentence that really instills fear into men this time of year is: “Turn your head and cough.”

Yes, everyone’s health insurance has rolled

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over into a new calendar year and it’s time for our annual physical. Like running the car in for a quick oil, filter and lube, it is time for men to check the timing on all our internal systems. It’s a traumatic time for us.

The same appointments are being made by women, but the experience is different for men. The male of the species would rather binge watch British baking shows than get their annual checkup. This is due to two scientifically proven facts: - First, and foremost, when it comes to visiting the doctor, men are big babies. A recent study at the Mayo Clinic compared the mental and physical reactions of men being told they had to go to the doctor versus a control group of men who were drinking at an Irish pub. While both groups eventually curled up under a table in the fetal position, the men at the pub were smiling.

- Secondly, prior to an annual checkup, men tend to self-diagnose themselves with diseases, some of which have yet to be discovered. If a woman gets a sore knee, she simply takes an ibuprofen and goes about her day. A male will also take an

anti-inflammatory, but will then spend the entire day online researching symptoms on medical websites trying to convince himself he needs a knee replacement.

Maybe if Hallmark made a greeting card for men encouraging them to get a checkup, it would be easier.

On the cover: a doctor in a white lab coat, peering over a pair of wire rimmed glasses The inside greeting: It’s time to visit, So we can see, The pH level, In your pee.

It won’t sell as much as Valentine’s Day cards, but it may get a few more of us in for our annual physical.

By the way, did you know that St. Valentine’s actual skull is on display in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Rome? Talk about a guy who should have kept up with his annual leechings. n

Rick Robinson’s latest novel, Opposition Research, is available at bookstores and on Amazon.

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from ju dy’s de sk

by Judy Cl abe s

Influence and Gratitude Three Northern Kentuckians have left an impact on the region with their legacies Matth Toebben As a young man who had enough of Hitler’s Nazi Germany, Matth Toebben got on a ship headed for America’s Ellis Island with $10 in his pocket, speaking not one word of English and leaving behind his large, loving family to face an unknown future.

He did bring with him a fine-honed work ethic and hard-earned skill as a master cabinetmaker.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Thankfully, it’s a fascinating history now told in his own words, thanks to an assist from his friend, retired surgeon T. Milton Mayer, in The Immigrant. The book is available at the Toebben Companies headquarters on Buttermilk Pike in Crescent Springs, Joseph-Beth bookstore in Crestview Town Center and Roebling Point Books in Covington. All proceeds from the book go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Thanks to the kindness of strangers in New York City, a scared young nonEnglish-speaking man made his way to Northern Kentucky where his sister and her husband had settled. He went to work then ultimately decided to go it on his own, building a successful homebuilding enterprise. He broadened his interests over the years, as well as his community involvement, political influence and philanthropic endeavors. His experience in Hitler’s Germany left him with strong ideas about big government—and his loving family left him with an even stronger commitment to family.

He fell in love at first sight with a beautiful young woman, Laverne Huber, when

he still couldn’t speak English much. They were married for 55 years, until her death in 2011. She had Alzheimer’s. Together, they had five children and today there are plenty of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The book chronicles his incredible journey. It gives detail to the picture of a growing Northern Kentucky, and it is fraught with the importance of love and kindness and caring about your neighbors and friends.

cessories she could with high quality materials—and no one could tell the difference.

Her one-person operation has become a major enterprise employing nearly 70 people and serving 4,000 accounts in 46 countries.

It recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Along the way, she and her husband of 54 years, Jim, have made a terrific impact on Covington—with more to come.

And you’ll love—as I did—this incredible tidbit: She provides faux bear-fur hats for the Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace because Queen Elizabeth II objects to real fur.

Gene Clabes

Donna Salyers Donna Salyers grew her facility with a sewing needle into an international fashion house in the heart of Covington. She had great instincts from the beginning, understanding a growing antipathy toward real fur coats and making the best faux-fur coats and ac-

Taking a personal liberty here to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the kind words and great stories shared on the recent death of my husband, friend and partner, Gene Clabes, after a sad, extended illness. I always thought of us as a team, and after 54 years of marriage, it will be a big change to think differently, but every sweet word and great story uplifts me and my family and helps us focus on the many blessings he brought to our lives.

He died Nov. 29 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood in the tender and loving care of MICU nurses and teams of doctors and with his two sons, Joseph and Jacob, daughter-in-law Chris, and me at his side.

We celebrated his life at Newcomer—and it was a celebration he would have enjoyed (and likely did) with hundreds of friends and well-wishers. Fraternity brothers, Kernel and college buddies, hometown friends, fellow journalists and horse trainers (and horse walkers), neighbors, and more enjoyed the terrific displays of memorabilia representing his life planned and executed

by Chris. It was a great and healing way to celebrate his purposeful life—and his amazing life journey. n www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY H istory

By David E . Schroeder, e xecutive direc tor of the Kenton Count y Public Libr ary

19th Century Local Artist’s Work Is All Around Us M ost Northern Kentuckians are familiar with the work of local artist Frank Duveneck. His portraits, landscapes and religious works can be found at the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Covington branch of the Kenton County Public Library and St. Walburg Monastery in Villa Hills just to name a few. Duveneck gained an international reputation that endures to this day. One of his early teachers, Johann Schmitt, is lesser known, but also left a significant artistic legacy in the region.

Johann Schmitt was born in 1825 in Heinstadt, Baden (now Germany). In his early years he lived in Munich where he was exposed to some of the greatest art Germany had to offer. He studied art in the local churches and museums, but there is no indication he had any formal art training. He learned through observation and practice.

In 1848, Schmitt left Europe for the United States. The year 1848 was a monumental one with revolutions beginning in Paris and spreading across the continent, throwing Europe into chaos.

Schmitt initially settled in Westchester County, New York. Here he began working as a church artist. Initially, he received a number of small commissions. His fine work and detailed subject matter soon led to larger commissions. Growing congregations in the Midwest led him to Covington in 1862. Here he immediately found work with the Covington Altar Stock Building Company (also known as the Institute of

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TOP: The interior of the Church of the Immaculata (photo by David E. Schroeder); RIGHT: Portrait of Johann Scmitt (from Gateway City: Covington, Kentucky 18152015 by Tenkotte, Claypool and Schroeder)

Catholic Art). Established by the Benedictine Religious Order, who staffed St. Joseph Parish in Covington, the firm built altars, pulpits and other furnishings for the new churches that were being built across the county. Here Schmitt worked with notable artists Brother Cosmas Wolf O.S.B., Wilhelm Lamprecht and Wenceslaus Thien. Also, during this time, Schmitt became one of the earliest teachers of the young Frank Duveneck.

Schmitt quickly became known throughout religious circles as an exceptional artist and his work became highly prized. Schmitt’s first work for the Institute in Covington was the decoration of St. Francis Seraph Church at Liberty and Vine streets in Cincinnati. He

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Johann Schmitt’s mural of the crucifixion found on the back wall of the chancel in St. Fancis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, Wisconsin

then turned his talent and brush toward the Church of the Immaculata at the crest of Mount Adams. The paintings in this church depict the life of the Virgin Mary and were completed in the years between 1862-1870.

They can still be seen today.

Schmitt also composed a number of commissions in Northern Kentucky. He completed a piece depicting the Assumption of Mary for St. Mary’s Church in Morning View and a similar piece on the high altar at St. Mary Parish in Alexandria.

For St. Joseph Parish in Crescent Springs, Schmitt completed a beautiful rendering

of St. Joseph with the child Jesus. He was also responsible for the interior decorations of his home parish of St. Joseph at 12th and Greenup streets in Covington between 1875-1879. Here he created two large paintings entitled the “Death of St. Joseph” and “St. Joseph: Protector of the Universal Church” (a smaller copy of the last work is in the Vatican Museum). The last piece was painted by Schmitt during the Kulturkampf, a time when Catholics were being persecuted in Germany.

Schmitt’s most recognizable work in the area is at Mother of God Church on Sixth

Street in Covington. In preparation for the parish’s 50th anniversary in 1890, Schmitt painted five large murals across the front of the church illustrating the five joyful mysteries of the rosary. These include The Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. These beautiful works can still be seen in the church today and are excellent examples of the artist’s attention to detail and fine use of color and light.

Schmitt left an artistic legacy throughout the country. His works can be found in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Others are still being discovered. His largest mural can be found in the cathedral at Green Bay. The painting, completed in 1883, is 25 by 40 feet and depicts the crucifixion. The piece was described by one of his contemporaries: “I have never seen such a beautiful, large mural in Europe. It was painted on the plaster by Johann Schmitt from Baden, in oil paints, a method that results in more durable frescos than those with watercolors. The figures seem to live in their movements ... This crucifixion scene is the most impressive and moving that I have ever encountered.”

In 1895, Schmitt completed two additional murals for the cathedral of the Agony in the Garden and the Burial of Christ.

Schmitt found great success as a religious painter. His personal life, however, was filled with sorrow. Schmitt’s first wife was Margaret Reichert, also a native of Baden. The couple eventually adopted a daughter, whom they named Mary. Mary died at 23 years of age in 1885. She was followed by her mother in 1891. Schmitt deeply grieved these losses and absorbed himself in his work. In this time of grief, he became a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, a lay Catholic society dedicated to prayer and spirituality.

Eventually he married Elizabeth Scheper Meyer Racke (twice widowed) and became a surrogate father to her six children, thus providing a more stable family life.

Johann Schmitt died June 10, 1898, of kidney disease in his home on East 13th Street in Covington. He was laid to rest in Mother of God Cemetery in the same city. His tomb is marked by a near life-sized statue of St. Francis of Assisi. The monument is a short walk from the resting place of his former student and protégé, Frank Duveneck. n www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY GUEST COLUM N

BY DR. HENRY WEBB, SUPERINTENDENT, KENTON COUNT Y SCHOOL DIS TRIC T

Making a Bright Future for Students

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appy New Year from the Kenton County School District. Students across the Northern Kentucky region are blessed to have very good school systems and high expectations for leaders, staff, students and community members are a thread of continuity we share as educators. 2020 promises to be an exciting year in the Kenton County School District due to the approximately 2,000 outstanding team members serving our kids daily. It is imperative that our team members embrace innovation to ensure all students are in a world-class learning environment each and every day—now is the time to commit to self-collective efficacy to continue to move our district forward for all kids.

As we prepare to educate our students in the upcoming year, we have asked our staff these questions: Is every kid receiving a world-class education in the district? Is every child being equipped for transition readiness to ensure they are ready for the 21st century

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economy? Are we thinking and acting innovatively for all students? What does current research tell us about ensuring every child is equipped for success? Do we make sure that every child has a relationship with an adult in each and every school they attend?

From the moment students walk through our doors for preschool to the moment they walk across the stage at graduation, it is our job to prepare them for the future. All students need a mentor in their schools; that’s why building relationships is something so critical to maintain throughout their public education. Providing a multitude of activities so students can be involved and feel connected with meaningful participation is a goal we strive to accomplish. To build a world-class learning environment means allowing students a variety of ways in which to achieve success. The Kenton County School District has college and career pathway opportunities for all students as they prepare to leave our schools and continue

their educations and/or enter the workforce.

It is vital that we continue to support and learn from each other as we grow and reflect throughout each year. It’s a new year with a fresh promise for each student in our region. The Kenton County School District will continue to work together as a team to attain and reach our district goals of providing a world-class learning environment for all students. And, by doing so, we will create a community and region of stronger, more compassionate learners. Cheers to the triumphs 2020 brings for all students across the Northern Kentucky region. ■

DR. HENRY WEBB IS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE KENTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, A POSITION HE HAS HELD SINCE JULY 1, 2017. HE PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS SUPERINTENDENT OF FLOYD COUNTY SCHOOLS, WHERE HE RAISED THE STATEWIDE RANKING OF THE DISTRICT FROM 86TH OUT OF 173 IN 2007 TO SIXTH IN 2016.

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NKY Arts & Ent e r tai n me n t

Beads, Cher and Two-Headed Calves Laurie Risch of BehringerCrawford Museum previews its upcoming springtime exhibits and events

By Ke vin Michell

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ow that its 28th annual Holiday Traditions display has come and gone, Behringer-Crawford Museum is gearing up for an array of new springtime exhibits and events.

Coming up first is “The Role of the Bead,” a collection showing the use of beads starting with Native American beadwork and moving through the 19th century up to modern day, including two of Cher’s famous outfits that she wore on The Sonny & Cher Show.

“It’s transformed into this really fun exhibit,” says Laurie Risch, executive director at the museum. To flesh out the exhibit and lead workshops, Behringer-Crawford is working with Robert Haven, a University of Kentucky professor and expert in Tambour beading—a method developed in 18th-century Europe.

It was Haven who referred the museum to a collector in Columbus, Ohio, who is loaning Cher’s outfits to Behringer-Crawford for the exhibit. It’s great timing, too, with Cher performing at Heritage Bank Center on April 7.

“We have to get the word out and have Cher visit Behringer-Crawford,” Risch says with a laugh.

Other items on display include rosary beads, beaded moccasins and various others from both Behringer-Crawford’s own collection and private collections. There will also be plenty of activities for kids visiting the bead exhibition, as well. “The Role of the Bead” runs from the weekend of February 8 through Mother’s Day weekend in May. In mid-spring, “The Role of the Bead” will share space with a new gallery of paintings and works by Bellevue native Harlan Hubbard.

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Attendees enjoy the 2019 Two-Headed Calf Awards ceremony (photos by Gary L. Johnston) ABOVE: (L to R) Jon Draud, Judi Gerding, Laurie Risch, Victor Canfield and Dennis Williams LEFT: Ruth Faragher (left) and her daughter, Teri Faragher

“We had a wonderful donation provided to us last year,” says Risch. “What we’re also working on is to produce an audiobook (of one of Hubbard’s books) to be able to bring Harlan Hubbard’s writings to a whole new audience and population as well.”

On April 9 is the annual Two-Headed Calf Awards, recognizing various community members for their achievements in preserving and promoting local history and heritage. It’s one of the most popular ways for

Behringer-Crawford Museum to recognize the community’s importance in keeping it operational. While the museum’s budget is small, its collection spans hundreds of thousands of items. Over her 32 years with the museum, Risch only knows of two items in the collection that were purchased—all other items have either been donated by the community or uncovered by archaeological digs.

“It’s very much a community-based museum,” she says, “and whatever we can do is because of the generosity of the community. From the funding that comes in, to the artifacts that come in, to the volunteers who come in to help, to the board members who guide us… if we didn’t have that kind of community support we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

Behringer-Crawford Museum reopens on Tuesday, February 4, before “The Role of the Bead” exhibit begins that weekend. n

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NKY E ven ts

February

7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m. $23. The Footlighters, Inc., 802 York St., Newport. 859-652-3849. footlighters.org.

2nd Annual Old Time Stringbreaker’s Ball

Art of Food: Family Style

Feb. 8 The Tillers are bringing their friends together for another wintry night of bluegrass, Americana and folk music. They’ll be joined by Joseph Huber, The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars and others for rollicking and heartfelt sets, plus a square dance led by The Rabbit Hash String Band. 6 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 day of show. All ages. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. 6th St., Newport. southgatehouse.com.

Feb. 21 The 14th annual Art of Food will transform The Carnegie with a sit-down dinner like you’ve never seen and a sumptuous celebration of the arts, culinary and otherwise. Live paintings and dance performances from Pones Inc. are just a couple of the things happening around the chef-curated five-course dinner. 6-10 p.m. $125-$475. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. 859-957-1940. thecarnegie.com.

Of Mice and Men

H.M.S. Pinafore

Feb. 13-29 Friendship, tragedy and the American dream are interwoven when Newport’s The Footlighters, Inc. put on this adaptation of the classic Steinbeck novel. Th-Sa

Feb. 21-Mar. 1 Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts presents this production of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical. F-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m. Students $10, seniors

and NKU staff/alumni $14, general $17.

Corbett Theatre, 100 Nunn Dr., Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. nku.edu/sota. www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY EVENTS

March

8 p.m. Students $15, general $25. Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport. 513479-6783. falcontheater.net.

NKY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Mar. 14 Celebrate the global heritage of Northern Kentucky’s residents and organizations at this first-ever event. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Boone County Schools and the Rotary Clubs of NKY present a full day of international performances, food, drink and items for sale. Make sure to join for what is sure to be the first iteration of an annual tradition.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 1 W. Rivercenter Blvd., Covington. nkyinternationalfestival.com.

THE AGITATORS Mar. 20-Apr. 4 This play examines the friendship formed between Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass while they worked tirelessly to secure equal rights for women and people of color in 19th century America. Th-Sa

END OF THE RAINBOW Mar. 21-Apr. 5 This play about the later years of Judy Garland’s life and career touches the darkness and emotion of the actress’ attempts to regain stardom and find peace at the end of the 1960s. This production deals with adult themes and is not recommended for children under 13. F-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 3 p.m. $25-$32. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. 859-957-1940. thecarnegie.com.

RAILROAD EARTH Mar. 22 The genre-spanning band has been blending prog rock, jazz, bluegrass and more for almost 20 years. They return to Northern Kentucky for an evening of incredible music in the heart of Covington. 8 p.m. $25 in advance, $27 day of show. All ages. Madison Theater, 730 Madison Ave., Covington. 859491-2444. madisontheater.com.

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THE WHO Apr. 23 It’s been 40 years since the British outfit helmed by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey played in the greater Cincinnati area.

Northern Kentucky University’s BB&T Arena hosts The Who’s return for what is sure to be the concert of a lifetime. 8 p.m. Check website for prices and availability. BB&T Arena, 500 Nunn Dr., Highland Heights. 859442-2652. thebbtarena.com.

MAMMA MIA!

April REVEREND HORTON HEAT Apr. 1 Jim Heath leads his seminal rockabilly outfit into Newport, still going strong after 35 years. Concertgoers can expect a one-of-a-kind party atmosphere full of rollicking tunes and rowdy good times. 7:30 p.m. $22 in advance, $25 day of show. 18 and over. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. 6th St., Newport. southgatehouse.com.

MAY FESTIVAL AT THE BASILICA Apr. 5 The May Festival is one of the Cincinnati area’s signature events to kick off springtime. The Festival Chamber Choir and Youth Chorus come to Covington’s basilica for a concert that will feature selections from Spain and South America.

8 p.m. $40. Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, 1101 Madison Ave., Covington.

513-621-1919. mayfestival.com.

Apr. 24-May 3 ABBA’s jukebox musical comes to the Northern Kentucky University campus.

The Swedish outfit’s peppy and soaring pop songs soundtrack bride Sophie’s search for her father on the eve of her wedding. W-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m. Students $10, seniors and NKU staff/alumni $14, general $17. Corbett Theatre, 100 Nunn Dr., Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. nku.edu/sota.

Don’t see your event? Visit bestofnky.com to add it to our online calendar for free.

www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY HOME PROFILE

MADDOX GARDEN CENTER & LANDSCAPING, INC. 8430 Dixie Highway Florence, KY 41042 859-371-6340 • MaddoxGardenCenter.com Maddox is Northern Kentucky’s premier design, build, hardscape and landscape contractor. We are family owned and operated and in business at the same location in Florence since 1982. Our landscape design staff is ready to make your dreams reality. Bring us your vision or look to us for ideas and inspiration. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with one of our three full-time landscape designers. Feel free to stop by our Retail Garden Center for any do it yourself projects you may have.

Maddox can help with a variety of projects, including landscape renovation, new landscape installation, hardscaping and outdoor living elements such as outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces/fire pits, paver patios, and retaining and seat walls.

In addition, Maddox is the only Northern Kentucky-based company with a retail garden center and full-service Design Build Landscape Division with a strong focus on hardscaping and outdoor living. A registered landscape architect is on staff.

Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor Fireplaces Fire Pits Retaining Walls Paver Sidewalks Paver Patios Seat Walls Courtyards Landscape Lighting

8430 Dixie Highway • Florence, KY 41042 • (859) 371-6340 • www.MaddoxGardenCenter.com 20

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NKY HOME

Building a Beautiful Lawn Combining organic and synthetic fertilizers creates a lush, green landscape

BY ERIC SPANGLER

T

he secret to a beautiful lawn is using organic fertilizers to build a good soil structure for the landscape’s long-term health while also incorporating synthetic fertilizers for immediate results, says Andrew Wesselman, one of the owners and partners of A & A Lawncare & Landscaping.

“We’re not an organic program, but we’re not a fully synthetic program,” says Wesselman. “We found a good balance with that because the organic fertilizer that we’re putting down is good fertilizer and a lot of times it’d be better than synthetic stuff.”

But it takes time—two to three years—to build that organic matter back into the soil, so one application of an organic fertilizer is not going to deliver the same immediate results that clients want as a synthetic fertilizer will provide, he says.

However, once the organic matter has had time to build a good soil structure, the organic matter actually starts producing its own fertilizer that the turf feeds on, says Wesselman.

That’s why yards that have been on A & A Lawncare & Landscaping’s program for a longer period of time see better results, he says.

That balance of using an organic and synthetic fertilizing approach to creating a beautiful lawn is one of the advantages to using A & A Lawncare & Landscaping, says Wesselman, who along with owner and partner Anthony “Tony” Kelly, started the business in 2007.

“I think that balance has really set us yards apart and really makes us look better

Anthony Kelly (left) and Andrew Wesselman own A & A Lawncare & Landscaping, which was founded in 2007.

than our competitors,” Wesselman says.

Another feature that sets A & A Lawncare & Landscaping apart from its competitors is its quality customer service, he says. “I think we’ve done a good job of building a good team that cares about the customer, that understands the ins and outs of customer service and how to go above and beyond to make sure the customers’ needs are taken care of,” Wesselman says.

That includes getting an estimate for services in a timely manner, getting that estimate back to the customer quickly and then scheduling a time frame of when that work is going to be done, he says.

In addition, customers have the ability to access their account online to pay bills, making it easy and convenient to do busi-

ness with A & A Lawncare & Landscaping, says Wesselman. “I think that’s one thing that makes us stand out,” he says.

A & A Lawncare & Landscaping, headquartered in Florence, is a full grounds maintenance company that services both residential and commercial clients. Services include weekly grass cutting, gutter cleaning, spring, fall and summer cleanups with mulch and shrub trimming, landscape design and installation, lawn fertilization and weed control, says Wesselman.

There are no contracts and all services are pay as you go, he says. “If you’re not happy with us we want to know about it. We want to make it right,” Wesselman says. “But most importantly we don’t want you to feel like you’re tied into anything.” ■ www.BestofNKY.com

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279 BUTTERMILK PIKE • FORT MITCHELL, K Y 41017 • 859.331.3888 •

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NKY RESTAURANT GUIDE 2020 Our staff has gathered an array of Northern Kentucky’s favorite dining spots new and old for this year’s restaurant guide. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, pizza or burgers, familiar favorites or creative new cuisine, the 12 restaurants that follow offer something to satisfy any diner or gourmand. Find a new favorite or rediscover an old one among these great eateries spread throughout the area.

By the Editors

CAMPOROSSO 2475 Dixie Hwy., Fort Mitchell camporosso.com 859-331-0155 Restaurant type: Italian and pizza Atmosphere: Upscale casual Price range: $12-$22

Year opened: 2017 Most-popular menu items: Wood-fired Pizza, House Crafted Meatballs Why you should go: This Northern Kentucky pizzeria does Neapolitan-style right in a unique setting. Try authentic wood-fired

pizzas like the Margherita or the Prosciutto and Fig or great pastas like the Penne with Pesto. The locally and family-owned eatery offers plenty of Italian wine and other libations that will invite you to stay a while in its warm and inviting dining room.

THE PUB CRESTVIEW HILLS 2853 Dixie Hwy., Crestview Hills experiencethepub.com 859-426-7827 Restaurant type: Authentic British cuisine Atmosphere: Relaxed full-service Price range: $8-$21 Year opened: 2002 Most-popular menu items: Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash

Why you should go: With award-winning fish and chips accentuated by an authentic British pub atmosphere, any visit to The Pub will provide the experience of escaping across the pond, if only for a couple hours. Regulars have come to think of the Crestview Hills eatery and bar as their home version of Cheers and The Pub staff’s service strives to turn every first-time guest into a regular. www.BestofNKY.com

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DRAKE’S 6805 Houston Road, Florence drakescomeplay.com/Florence 859-869-4840 Restaurant type: Beer, burgers and sushi Atmosphere: Relaxed full-service Price range: $10-$20 Year opened: 2013 Most-popular menu items: Mini Juicy Lucy Burgers, Crab Rangoon Roll Why you should go: Drake’s variety isn’t easily compared to other restaurants. Its specialties of burgers and sushi only hint at the diverse menu, which is well-complimented by a variety of beers and craft cocktails. The restaurant’s “come play” atmosphere includes darts, shuffleboard and giant Jenga to enjoy, as well as trivia nights on Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m.

COLONIAL COTTAGE 3140 Dixie Hwy., Erlanger thecottagenky.com 859-341-4498 Restaurant type: Traditional American Southern Atmosphere: Casual Price range: $3-$19 Year opened: 1933 Most-popular menu items: Pan-fried Half Chicken, Goetta and Eggs, Hot Bacon Spinach Salad Why you should go: Since its founding during the Great Depression, Colonial Cottage has served delicious, affordable food that stands the test of time. The restaurant has won NKY Magazine’s Best Fried Chicken nine years in a row and sells more goetta than anyone in the area. There are no white tablecloths here, just genuine comfort food from people who care.

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BRU BURGER BAR 279 Buttermilk Pike, Fort Mitchell bruburgerbar.com 859-331-3888 Restaurant type: American, Burgers Atmosphere: Relaxed full-service Price range: $10-$15 Year opened: 2018 Most-popular menu items: Bourbon Burger, Gorgonberry Pecan Salad, Onion Rings, Hand-Dipped Milkshakes

Why you should go: The American institution that is the hamburger is what Bru Burger Bar aims to perfect at its Fort Mitchell location. The restaurant is an ode to the company’s love for burgers made with local meats and freshly baked buns. Bru’s signature sandwiches pair great with one of the eatery’s hand-dipped milkshakes or a beer.

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COLONEL’S KITCHEN RESTAURANT 22 N. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas colonelde.com 859-215-0200 Restaurant type: American Atmosphere: Fast casual Price range: $5-$15 Year opened: May 2018 Most-popular menu items: Bean, Bourbon and Bacon Soup, The Flop (three buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon maple butter), Bacon Fried Rice Why you should go: “We do all our own baked goods—the breads, the biscuits, the buns, all of that stuff we make in house,” says owner Susan Stewart. “We have nothing fried here. Everything is done in the oven, roasted. We wanted to be healthy—healthy flavor. Our motto is just fresh flavorful food in a family-friendly atmosphere.”

WUNDERBAR

SUB STATION II 1826 Dixie Hwy., Fort Wright substationii.com 859-341-9494 Restaurant type: Sandwiches and salads Atmosphere: Quick service and carryout Price range: $5-$12 Year opened: 1989 Most-popular menu items: Super Special Italian, Ultimate Club

Why you should go: After over 30 years in business, Mike Monson’s Sub Station II is still serving up the best sub sandwiches in the area with the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re grabbing a quick sandwich to go or catering a whole party, the sandwich shop offers everything from classic and deluxe cold sandwiches—the Super Special is brimming with six different meats—to hot reubens, gyros and crisp salads.

1132 Lee St., Covington 859-815-8027 Restaurant type: German fare and sandwiches Atmosphere: Casual gastropub Price range: $7-$14 Year opened: 2012 Most-popular menu items: Pretzels and Beer Cheese, Pierogies, Wunderburger Why you should go: Celebrate the region’s German heritage with the hearty food and flowing beer at Wunderbar. This uniquely cool bar and grill offers recognizable German dishes like schnitzel, hand food favorites like brats and metts and a rotating brunch menu on weekends. www.BestofNKY.com

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Casual Chinese Restaurant 88 Carothers Road, Newport casualchinese.com 859-431-2900 Restaurant type: Chinese & Thai Atmosphere: Quick service and carryout Price range: $5-$15 Year opened: 1992 Most-popular menu items: Pad Thai Noodles, Sesame Chicken, Chicken Fried Rice Why you should go: Casual Chinese’s menu is brimming with traditional favorites for lunch and dinner as well as great chef’s specials. The affordable lunch specials— express specials are just $5.50 with many other lunch specials only $5.95—will get you in the door but the excellent service will keep you coming back for more.

Repertoire

The Kitchen by Butler’s Pantry 50 E. RiverCenter Blvd., Covington 859-292-5034 Restaurant type: Southern-inspired comfort food and breakfast Atmosphere: Casual yet refined Price range: $5-$15 Year opened: 2020 Most-popular menu items: Stuffed French Toast, Shaved Catfish Po’boy Why you should go: Southern soul is the

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theme from this brand-new restaurant on Covington’s riverfront. Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, The Kitchen by Butler’s Pantry features a chef-driven menu, unique offerings like the brunch buildyour-own Bloody Mary bar and heaping helpings of hospitality. Chef Kyle Roberts has oriented the menu on scratch-made cooking to make guests feel at home in the restaurant and leave satisfied.

8645 Haines Drive, Florence repertoirenky.com 859-817-0146 Restaurant type: New American Atmosphere: Relaxed fine dining Price range: $8-$24 Year opened: 2019 Most-popular menu items: Brunch items like pancakes and omelets, Crab and Corn Hushpuppies Why you should go: Repertoire brings fine dining with incredible at tention to detail to Nor thern Kentucky. Don’t be fooled by its strip mall location—the restaurant space awaiting guests inside is unique and the food is unlike anything else in Florence. If you’re looking for a chef-prepared meal and a nice glass of wine, this is your spot.

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Every Saturday from 6-8pm come and enjoy the same dinner our events are eating.

FOR JUST $10.00 A DEAL YOU CANT REFUSE See why so many people give our events

5 Star Reviews

Newport Syndicate 18 E 5th St, Newport, KY 41071 859-491-8900 gangstersduelingpianobar.com

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PARLOR ON SEVENTH 43 W. Seventh St., Covington parloronseventh.com 859-993-4700 Restaurant type: Southern-inspired gastropub Atmosphere: Relaxed full-service Price range: $5-$16 Year opened: 2019 Most-popular menu items: “Mutter Gottes” Stuffed Breadsticks, Hot Mess Nachos, Parlor Pesto Chicken Thighs Why you should go: Parlor on Seventh serves elevated comfort food in a comfortable location in downtown Covington. The menu is distinctive while also being approachable, affordable and kid friendly. Whether you order carryout to take to Braxton Brewing Co. next door or stop in for lunch, you’ll have a unique experience at Parlor on Seventh. They also may not let you leave without trying the campfire cookies and milk.

Voted Best of NKY

2018

4 YEARS in a row

“Lettuce” show you what fresh truly is!

We are grateful that the people of NKY recognize what goes into the comfort food in which we specialize. There is nothing more comforting than good fried chicken.

Please join us soon!

3140 Dixie Highway • Erlanger, KY 41018 859-341-4498 • thecottagenky.com 28

We slice every sandwich to order. Produce is sliced everyday to ensure the best taste and without the addition of chemicals. Our bread is a true east coast Italian sub roll.

1826 Dixie Hwy Ft. Wright KY 41011

Order Now @ substationii.com Pick up or delivery

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COMFORTABLE CLASSICS AND EXOTIC EATS — NORTHERN KENTUCKY HAS THEM ALL AT THESE LOCAL RESTAURANTS African HORN OF AFRICA CAFE & RESTAURANT 7109 Turfway Road, Florence (859) 918-6060

American ANCHOR GRILL 438 Pike St., Covington (859) 431-9498 ARTHUR’S BISTRO ON THE GREEN 1911 Golf Club Drive, Burlington (859) 534-2668 arthursbistro.com BELLEVUE BISTRO 313 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue (859) 581-5600 bellevuebistro.com BOUQUET RESTAURANT 519 Main St., Covington (859) 491-7777 bouquetrestaurant.com BRU BURGER BAR 279 Buttermilk Pike, Ft Mitchell (859) 331-3888 bruburgerbar.com

BUCKHEAD MOUNTAIN GRILL 35 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue (859) 491-7333 buckheadmountaingrill.com

DIXIE CHILI 733 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 291-5337 dixiechili.com

FORT MITCHELL PUBLIC HOUSE 2053 Dixie Highway, Ft Mitchell (859) 331-0867 fortmitchellpub.com

KEYSTONE BAR & GRILL 313 Greenup St., Covington (859) 261-6777 keystonebar.com

BUFFALO BOB’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 9910 Berberich Drive, Florence (859) 371-5244 eatatbobs.com

THE ELUSIVE COW CAFE 519 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue (859) 291-0269 theelusivecow.com

FORT WRIGHT FAMILY RESTAURANT 1860 Ashwood Circle, Ft Wright (859) 331-8359

KITCHEN 1883 9003 US 42, Union (859) 334-9450 kitchen1883.com

EMPRESS CHILI 7934 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria (859) 635-5900 empresschilialexandria.com

GRANDVIEW TAVERN 2220 Grandview Drive, Ft Mitchell (859) 341-8439 grandviewtavern.com

LIBBY’S SOUTHERN COMFORT 35 W. Eighth St., Covington (859) 261-3106 libbyssoutherncomfort.com

COLONEL’S KITCHEN 22 N. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft Thomas (859) 215-0200

FARMSTAND MARKET & CAFE 9914 Old Union Road, Union (859) 817-1134 thefarmstandmarket.com

GREYHOUND TAVERN 2500 Dixie Highway, Ft Mitchell (859) 331-3767 greyhoundtavern.com

MAD MIKE’S BURGERS & FRIES 6420 Dixie Highway, Florence (859) 647-6444 madmikesburgers.com

COLONIAL COTTAGE 3140 Dixie Highway, Erlanger (859) 341-4498 thecottagenky.com

FIRST WATCH 7727 Mall Road, Ste A, Florence (859) 283-9800 firstwatch.com

HEBRON BREW HAUS 2030 Northside Drive, Hebron (859) 534-5600 hebronbrewhaus.com

MIDWAY CAFE 1017 S. Ft Thomas Ave., Ft Thomas (859) 781-7666 themidwayky.com

COMMONWEALTH BISTRO 621 Main St., Covington (859) 916-6719 commonwealthbistro.com

FLIPDADDY’S BRILLIANT BURGERS & CRAFT BEER BAR 165 Pavilion Parkway, Newport (859) 431-2337 flipdaddys.com

HEBRON GRILLE 1960 N Bend Road, Hebron (859) 586-0473 hebrongrilleky.com

PEPPER POD RESTAURANT 703 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 431-7455

COBBLESTONE CAFE 654 Highland Ave., Ft Thomas (859) 781-3000 thecobblestonecafe.net

COPPIN’S AT HOTEL COVINGTON 638 Madison Ave, Covington (859) 905-6600 hotelcovington.com/dining

JOELLA’S HOT CHICKEN 2440 High St., Crescent Springs (859) 341-4444 joellas.com

PEEWEE’S PLACE 2325 Anderson Road, Crescent Springs (859) 341-4977

Take a trip across the pond... no passport required.

CRESTVIEW TOWN CENTER CRESTVIEW HILLS, KY

ROOKWOOD COMMONS CINCINNATI, OH

BRILLIANT BRUNCH! SAT & SUN | 11AM-3PM exp eriencethepub.com

HAPPY HOUR M-F | 3-7PM

Beer, Wine & Cocktail Drink Specials

$5 Shareable Small Bites www.BestofNKY.com

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PURPLE POULET 603 Sixth Ave., Dayton (859) 916-5602 purplepoulet.com RAFFERTY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR 7379 Turfway Road, Florence (859) 371-1140 raffertys.com REALITY TUESDAY CAFE 1518 Dixie Highway, Park Hills (859) 261-4939 RICH’S PROPER FOOD & DRINK 791 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 415-0069 richsproper.com SUB STATION II 1826 Dixie Highway, Ft Wright (859) 341-9494 substationii.net TOUSEY HOUSE TAVERN 5963 N Jefferson St., Burlington (859) 586-9900 touseyhouse.com WALT’S HITCHING POST 3300 Madison Pike, Ft Wright (859) 360-2222 waltshitchingpost.com

WASHINGTON SQUARE CAFE & CATERING 5981 Jefferson St., Burlington (859) 586-0120 washingtonsquarekycafe.com YORK STREET CAFÉ 738 York St., Newport (859) 261-9675 yorkstonline.com

Bakeries MOONRISE DOUGHNUTS 3718 Winston Ave., Covington (859) 415-0308 moonrisedoughnuts.com.

PARADISE DONUTS 2091 N. Bend Road, Hebron (859) 817-9348 paradisedonutsky.com

Barbeuce BUCK’S BBQ 640 Sixth Ave.,Dayton (859) 739-3953 premiumelitefoods.com CITY BBQ 2760 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights (859) 415-4544 citybbq.com FAMOUS DAVE’S 4931 Houston Road, Florence (859) 647-7788 famousdaves.com

HARMON’S BARBECUE 3481 Valley Plaza Pkwy, Ft Mitchell (859) 279-3662 SMOKE JUSTIS 302 Court St., Covington (859) 814-8858 smokejustis.com SMOKEY BONES BAR & FIRE GRILL 7848 Mall Road, Florence (859) 371-5425 smokeybones.com SMOKIN’ THIS AND THAT BBQ 10020 Demia Way, Florence (859) 817-0492 smokinthisandthatbbq.com

Cajun DEE FELICE CAFÉ 529 Main St., Covington (859) 261-2365 deefelicecafe.com KNOTTY PINE ON THE BAYOU 6302 Licking Pike, Cold Spring (859) 781-2200 theknottypineonthebayou.com

Chinese ASIAN PLACE 2220 Grandview Drive, Ft Mitchell (859) 578-8707 asianplaceky.com

CASUAL CHINESE 88 Carothers Road, Newport (859) 431-2900 casualchinese.com CATHAY KITCHEN CHINESE RESTAURANT 8049 Connector Drive, Florence (859) 282-0770 cathaykitchenky.com CHINA STAR 154 Barnwood Drive, Edgewood (859) 426-9688 chinastaredgewood.com FIRST WOK 3180 Dixie Highway, Erlanger (859) 344-8885 1stwokky.com GOLDEN WOK 1781 Patrick Drive, Burlington (859) 689-1888 goldenwokburlington.com HOT WOK 3420 Valley Plaza Pkwy, Ft Wright (859) 341-7700 chanshotwok.com KUNG FOOD CHU’S AMERASIA 521 Madison Ave., Ste. B, Covington (859) 261-6121 ORIENTAL WOK 317 Buttermilk Pike, Ft Mitchell (859) 331-3000 orientalwok.com

ORIGINAL WOK 5038 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill (859) 431-3000 originalwok.com PEKING RESTAURANT 4335 Winston Ave., Covington (859) 292-8636 pekingcovington.com RAYMOND’S HONG KONG CAFÉ 11051 Clay Drive, Walton (859) 485-2828 SZECHUAN GARDEN BISTRO 1504 Dixie Highway, Park Hills (859) 491-0505 szechuangardenparkhills.com WOK & ROLL CHINESE RESTAURANT 4213 Richardson Road, Independence (859) 647-1888

German HOFBRAUHAUS 200 E. Third St., Newport (859) 491-7200 hofbrauhausnewport.com WUNDERBAR 1132 Lee St., Covington (859) 815-8027

Guatemalan TERCER DIA 915 Madison Ave., Covington

•Outstanding heading into the 28th year!•

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Indian AMOL INDIA 527 York St., Newport (859) 261-2317 amolindiacarryoutnewport.com GURU INDIA 2303 Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs (859) 341-5858 guruindiarestaurant.com

Irish MOLLY MALONE’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 112 E. Fourth St., Covington (859) 491-6659 covington. mollymalonesirishpub.com

Italian PEPPE CUCINA 39 W. Pike St., Covington (859) 360-0045 POMPILIOS 600 Washington Ave., Newport (859) 581-3065 pompilios.com

Japanese CHAKO BAKERY CAFE 611 Main St., Covington (859) 609-0166 chakobakerycafe.com

JO AN JAPANESE RESTAURANT 3940 Olympic Blvd., Erlanger (859) 746-2634 joanjapanese.com LA HIRO SUSHI AND SWEETS 8645 Haines Drive, Florence (859) 657-6600 sushiandsweets.com MATSUYA JAPANESE RESTAURANT 7149 Manderlay Drive, Florence (859) 746-1199 MIYAKO SUSHI & STEAKHOUSE 2511 Ritchie St., Crescent Springs (859) 578-0031 miyakorestaurant.com MIYOSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 8660 Bankers St., Florence (859) 525-6564 miyoshirestaurant.com SEA SUSHI & GRILL 7951 US Highway 42, Florence (859) 371-1688 seasushigrill.com

Korean RIVERSIDE KOREAN RESTAURANT 512 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 291-1484 riversidekoreanrestaurant.com

Mediterranean KABOBSKE 7563 Mall Road, Florence (859) 322-0112 kabobske.com PARADISE RESTAURANT & CAFÉ 4135 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring (859) 781-8000 paradisehookahcafe.com

Mexican ABUELO’S 2833 Dixie Highway, Crestview Hills (859) 344-1344 abuelos.com ACAPULCO 8101 Connector Drive, Florence (859) 282-0687 acapulcocinci.com AGAVE & RYE 635 Madison Ave., Covington (859) 360-1060 agaveandrye.com AGAVES 2010 N. Bend Road, Hebron (859) 689-5489 agaveshebron.com CANCUN MEXICAN BAR & GRILL 1781 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 291-9200 cancunmexicanrestaurantes.com

EL JINETE 5062 Old Taylor Mill Road, Taylor Mill (859) 360-1767 ejineterestaurants.com EL TORO BRAVO 625 Chestnut Drive, Walton (859) 493-0222 FRIDA 602 602 Main St., Covington (859) 815-8736 fridaonmain.com GUTIERREZ DELI 1131 Lee St., Covington (859) 431-3354 LA MEXICANA RESTAURANT & GROCERY 642 Monmouth St., Newport (859) 261-6112 MIAMI STYLE TACOS 8349 US 42, Florence (859) 534-0688 miamistyletacos.com MI TIERRA 3420 Valley Plaza Pkwy, Ft Wright (859) 331-1234 mitierrafortwright.com MONTOYAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 2507 Chelsea Drive, Ft Mitchell (859) 341-0707

RIO GRANDE MEXICAN RESTAURANT 34 Carothers Road, Newport (859) 292-8750 riograndenewport.com TAQUERIA CRUZ 518 Pike St., Covington (859) 431-3859 taqueriacruzcincinnati.com TAQUERIA RAMIREZ 6910 Burlington Pike, Florence (859) 371-1190

Pizza ALTO PIZZA KITCHEN & BAR 43 W. Seventh St., Covington (859) 431-2586 alto-pizza.com CAMPOROSSO 2475 Dixie Highway, Ft Mitchell (859) 331-0155 camporosso.com

Comprehensive online dining listings for NKY at

www.BestofNKY.com.

www.BestofNKY.com

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Investing in a Major

Attraction Newport Aquarium brings a new attraction as a crucial and visible part of the Levee’s future plans

BY JULI HALE

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hen Newport Aquarium executive director Eric Rose wanted to know what visitors would like to see at the aquarium, he took a simple approach—he asked them. Using both formalized surveys and face-to-face conversations with guests, the aquarium captured what visitors would most like to see and do at the aquarium.

And he found that what they want is a more immersive, interactive experience.

A rendering of the new Newport Aquarium exhibit, “Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels”

The response was similar for North American Properties (NAP), which also asked for visitor input when it began drafting a revitalization plan to draw more traffic to Newport on the Levee. Guests don’t only want to shop, they want to be entertained. NAP purchased the Levee property at the end of 2018 with plans for a $100 million investment to turn it into a regional attraction.

Though not part of the Newport on the Levee property, the aquarium is expected to play a major role in the revitalization plans for the neighboring Levee, which attracts more than 3.5 million annual visitors. “I speak with the (NAP) executive team weekly, and they’ve been open with us on their vision and master plan,” says Rose. “They are very genuinely interested in making (the aquarium) a community treasure. They are taking a sense of pride

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Eric Rose, exeuctive director of Newport Aquarium, enjoys one of the touch pools with visitors.

that this project is in their backyard. It is incredibly important to us, over the shortterm and the long-term, that we have a great working partner here as far as the Levee, and even beyond the Levee, the region.

There’s a lot of great things happening, not just NAP coming in, but other things. No pun intended, but rising tides lift all ships, including shipwrecks.”

The aquarium recently unveiled plans for its latest exhibit, “Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels.” Opening in the spring, the extensive new exhibit will showcase eels as heroes of the sea as they swim among the ruins of a long-ago sunken shipwreck scattered across the sea floor. The new space will also be home to hundreds of brightly colored fish and curious crustaceans as they thrive in this accidental reef.

“Believe it or not, eels and shipwrecks were of very high interest to our guests, so we anticipate this being a very popular exhibit once it’s open,” said Rose. “However, the conservation message will be very strong in this exhibit. We are telling the story of reefs and artificial reefs which are under great threat right now to a variety of causes, so it isn’t only about entertainment; we are getting our message of conservation out there as well.”

For the Dennis family, the new exhibit is just another reason to love the aquarium. The Burlington family, which consists of parents Nick and Katy and their young daughters, Molly and McKinley, are already big fans, but excited to know that they will have even

more to experience in the spring.

“We are most excited about the Captain’s Quarters where we can play with the wheel of the ship and see the different kinds of eels.

The aquarium is a great place to take the kids because no matter how many times we go, we always see something we didn’t see before. There are interactive things to do and there are opportunities to learn something around every corner,” says Nick Dennis.

“We are always looking at how we can bring value to our guests and continue to bring people to the aquarium,” says Rose.

Presently, 55% of the aquarium’s visitors come from outside the Tristate region.

“We bring in almost a million people a year to the Newport Aquarium, so our goal is to be a thriving entertainment venue as part of Newport on the Levee, as well as being a world-class zoological institute.”

While the shipwreck is expected to be a major draw for 2020, the success of the exhibit is only a small portion of its business objectives. Rose and his team are continually planning changes and updates for the aquarium, including the aquarium’s collection plan, which works on a fiveyear timeline and takes into account the many years it can take to source animals, whether they come from other aquariums or from the wild.

“Guests always want something new, more to see and do, something different,” Rose adds. “It is a critical element to constantly evolve for a very demanding public whose expectations are very, very high and

“Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels” will feature fi ve zones, each with its own unique ship elements and animals to discover: Captain’s Quarters: The mast of the ship and tattered sails rise high above the remains of the captain’s quarters. A group of majestic green moray eels reaching up to 5 feet long have made their home there as masters of the ship. Nearby, the ship’s wheel awaits your turn as a fun photo opportunity with the eels and other residents including spiny lobsters and hundreds of fish.

Treasure Chest: The ship’s treasure was lost to the sea but has been found by beautiful jewel-colored fish that now make the chest their home. Step into their luxurious reef to be surrounded by 270 degrees of beautiful sea life, a perfect spot to take a photo among the real treasures of the sea.

Cargo Hold: Fascinating animals thrive among the barrels and crates that held the ship’s cargo.

Flamboyant cuttlefish with tentacles, undulating fins and mesmerizing color-changing camouflage scuttle about. Dozens of garden eels pop up from the sand and flow with the current, while strange and colorful frogfish imitate corals as they await the approach of their next meal.

Ship’s Anchor: The ship’s anchor is home to a thriving community of fish. The chain moray eel runs the roost with its impressive black body covered in yellow chain-like rings. It shares this safe spot with tangs, triggerfish and grouper.

Ropes and Rigging: Enter the ship’s wreckage and be surrounded by the ropes and pulleys that once held everything together. They now form a forest of protection for the animals that call it home. Find venomous and beautiful lionfish with their long flowing fins, scorpionfish with their poisonous spines and the purplemouth eel with its long fin running the entire length of its body.

can get stale very, very quickly. But fortunately, we run a world-class aquarium and it isn’t a challenge or a chore for us to do it.

My job is to marry the two of those—how do I really assess the needs of our public and how do we do that in a responsible, ethical, appropriate, best way possible?”

The shipwreck exhibit will be one of the biggest developments since Newport Aquarium opened in 1999 and represents an investment of over $1 million. It will fully transform the space previously known as Dangerous & Deadly into an immersive environment for guests to explore. Among Rose’s favorite details is a particularly impressive photo opportunity that will provide visitors the illusion of being underwater with the animals and fish. ■ www.BestofNKY.com

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N

orthern Kentucky is as full of successful and diverse workplaces as it is brimming with vibrant, unique communities. For our inaugural Best Workplaces in Northern Kentucky, NKY Magazine has selected 21 businesses and organizations, large and small, that demonstrate the exceptional qualities that make this region a great place to have a career.

Nominations were gathered in November 2019 and the staff of NKY Magazine chose the 21 winners based on the quality of each submission. Eight companies were selected for special recognition, with each earning a superlative for excellence in a facet of workplace culture demonstrated to our selection committee through both their nomination submissions and actions.

We encourage readers to join us and representatives from these workplaces at our first Best Workplaces in Northern Kentucky event from 5:30-8 p.m. on February 27 at the Metropolitan Club in Covington’s RiverCenter building at 50 E. Rivercenter Boulevard. Admission is free and potential guests can register online to attend at cincy.live/events By the Editors Company Name

Employees in NKY

Type

Year Founded

Location

Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating & Air

80

Private

2008

Erlanger

BB Riverboats

75

Private

1979

Newport

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) 460

Quasi-Public

1947

Burlington

Covington Catholic High School

40

Nonprofit

1925

Park Hills

DBL Law

69

Private

1955

Crestview Hills

Executive Transportation

75

Private

1961

Newport

Fidant Wealth Partners

19

Private

1992

Crestview Hills

Hilton Cincinnati Airport

110

Private

1987

Florence

Images Advantage Group

22

Public

1997

Burlington

Jewells on Main

20

Public

2008

Warsaw

Jolly Plumbing

50

Private

1979

Wilder

KLH Engineers, PSC

73

Private

1955

Fort Thomas

Last Call Trivia

11

Private

2007

Newport

City of Ludlow Police Department

11

Municipal

1886

Ludlow

McHales Events and Catering

20

Private

1998

Park Hills

Mi Salon Spa

45

Private

1978

Florence

Schneller and Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating, and Air

81

Private

1928

Covington

Shearer Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

22

Private

2006

Florence

St Elizabeth Healthcare

7,000

Nonprofit

1861

Edgewood

Villa Madonna Academy

65

Private nonprofit

1904

Villa Hills

Wiseway Supply

85

Private

1972

Florence

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Most Fun Culture: Jolly Plumbing If one were to imagine the work environment of a plumbing company, it’s doubtful words like fun and family-oriented would be the first that came to mind. But that’s exactly what Jolly Plumbing has created with its main office in Wilder.

“Our company was founded 40 years ago on treating customers and employees like family,” says owner and CEO Brady Jolly.

“We know that if our employees don’t like the place they’re working and the work they’re doing, the customer won’t experience the high level of value needed to retain and attract customers.”

Jolly Plumbing keeps work fun with opportunities for team activities. The office has its own basketball court, in which the company hosts pick-up games on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and encourages stress-relieving games of JP (a shortened version of HORSE) throughout the day.

The office also has a drink and snack bar, an event center with full kitchen that employees can rent for free and chalkboard brackets for tracking intraoffice debates, like which Adam Sandler movie is best.

Outside of work, employees can join company basketball and softball teams, attend pool parties at the owner’s house and meet up for small group activities like axe throwing.

According to Jolly, this work environment has created a real team feel, with employees often becoming friends outside the workplace.

“We think we can be trendsetters in this home service industry on the employeeemployer relationship. Often, when talking about an industry like ours, words like work-life balance and work happiness are not always thrown around and we want to change that,” adds Jolly.

—Corinne Minard

www.BestofNKY.com

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2020 BEST WORKPLACES IN N K Y BEST RANGE OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Working for an airport can feel like being the resident of a separate small city. With over 450 workers employed directly by the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), it’s a unique challenge to foster a cohesive and positive workplace.

But Sybil Murphy, human resources executive for CVG, has seen and helped establish a wide array of benefits that make the airport uniquely welcoming and supportive of its employees.

One such benefit is the ability to take college classes on site through partnerships with three local colleges—CVG employees can pursue an associate degree from Gateway Community and Technical College, a bachelor’s degree from Thomas More University and a master’s in business administration or organizational leadership through Mount St. Joseph University. All

Dr. Pam Walden

Dr. Lupe Rojas

Dr. Shelley Shearer

Dr. Ann Shackleford

We Welcome New Patients Specializing in All Phases of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 1335 Hansel Drive | Florence, KY 41042 859-647-7068 | shelleyshearerdmd.com 36

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three have a presence at the airport and only require enrolled employees to attend one class on site per week and attend another weekly session online.

CVG also implemented a bonus program for all employees in 2017.

“We set company stretch goals at the beginning of the year, announced to every

employee, and if we meet those, we have the potential of every employee earning an extra $1,500,” says Murphy. “That is extremely unique in the airport industry.”

Beyond that, Murphy and CVG work hard to foster open communication, trust and a welcoming culture among the hundreds of employees working in various levels

and departments at the airport. Employee town halls and fun events like the annual soup and chili cook-off are held twice to accommodate the availability of the 24hour workforce.

“For us, building relationships is important,” Murphy says. “If you build a relationship with someone from a different department, you’re going to work well with that person when they need you.”

—KEVIN MICHELL

www.BestofNKY.com

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2020 BEST WORKPLACES IN N K Y

BEST CONTINUING EMPLOYEE EDUCATION: Schneller and Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating and Air Schneller and Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating and Air, a plumbing, heating and cooling services company with offices in Cincinnati and Covington, creates a positive workplace by staying focused on people.

“We believe that we are not a contractor, we are not a plumbing, heating and air

business. We are in the people business, the relationship business. Our people are our greatest asset and our team members know that we want them to be the best person that they can be, which helps their co-workers and the customers,” says Jeremy Lee, general manager.

In addition to providing flexible schedules and hosting team activities like weekly and monthly meetings, the company goes a step beyond by being involved in its employees’ continuing education.

“Schneller and Knochelmann is a best workplace because of the experience that

Thanks to our team, CVG Airport continues to be one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States.

HONEST | FRIENDLY | PROMPT

859-287-0912 Jollyplumbing.com 38

Proud to be one of Northern Kentucky’s 2020 Best Workplaces.

LEARN MORE AT CVGAIRPORT.COM/CVG

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is Schneller and Knochelmann. We offer an experience for the team to grow and develop their skills in the trades through continued education courses and training classes. These classes range from technical skills to soft skills to leadership skills that help them to stay at the forefront of

the industry. Whether they become more experienced technicians, become leaders of the community or expand their skills into other divisions of the trades, the education that is provided is for a lifetime,” says Lee. —Corinne Minard

It’s not easy to narrow down a beautiful wedding venue that you can easily personalize.

Luckily, we have these stunning Cincinnati locations to provide a customizable backdrop that matches your unique love story and wows your guests.

mchalescatering.com (859) 442-7776

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2020 BEST WORKPLACES IN N K Y NKY spotlight

Most Community Driven: BB Riverboats

When local groups, media outlets and government agencies want to solve problems, answer questions or offer advice for events or issues on the Ohio River they inevitably turn to BB Riverboats.

That’s because BB Riverboats has been operating riverboat cruises on the Ohio River since the company was founded by Ben Bernstein in 1979, so no company has more interest in preserving the beauty and

heritage of the Ohio River.

The company is now run by Bernstein’s son, Alan Bernstein, and his wife, Mary, along with their two children, Terri and Ben Bernstein. Along with a well-seasoned management team and a staff of employees from the community, BB Riverboats is strategically aligned to keep BB Riverboats steered toward a successful future.

”It is a family business and the family works closely with all the employees,” says Terri Bernstein. “Employees stay for years because they love their job.”

Most employees are seasonal but continue to return year after year, she says. “We don’t pay the highest—we do pay well—we don’t do company match retirement, but we do provide a great place to work and have fun,” says Terri Bernstein. “It is better to come to a job you love every day than make lots of money and hate it,” she says.

BB Riverboats hires mostly from the local community, says Terri Bernstein. “We participate in many community events and focus on the fallen military and the betterment of the Ohio River.”

Today, BB Riverboats continues to offer regular dining, sightseeing, kids, holiday, moonlight and specialty cruises as well as providing riverboat tours for weddings and rehearsal dinners, corporate and social events, birthdays and special events, motor coach tours and school outings.

—Eric Spangler

DISCOVER THE BEST LOCAL BUSINESSES NEAR YOU

Finding local businesses is now fast and easy. NKY Magazine brings you this platform to search for local businesses and coupons from any device. Connect with qualified merchants and view valuable information about their business including photos, hours of operation, menus, testimonials and more.

You can even contact them right from their listing. Visit saveinnky.com and start saving today

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Most Committed to Volunteering and Charity: KLH Engineers When Bob Heil took over as CEO of KLH Engineers in 2015, he quickly looked into creating a charitable foundation that could be an outlet for the company and its employees.

That idea became the Keep Lending a Hand fund, which is managed by a small committee of KLH employees. The fund enables KLH Engineers to award tens of thousands to charitable and nonprofit organizations through grants of a few thousand dollars each.

“I recognize that there are other companies that would put a much larger number out there,” says Heil, “but for us we’re making this $20,000 commitment year in and year out regardless of company performance.”

More than just giving money, the company follows Heil’s philosophy of purposeful engagement. Employees are encouraged to take their community involvement to the next level by joining nonprofit advisory boards and using the 10 paid volunteering hours per year KLH offers its employees.

Moreover, the company—which has four offices in addition to its Fort Thomas headquarters—encourages each of its locations apply their engineering expertise to a pro bono project every year. Last year, the Fort Thomas office redesigned the layout of downtown Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank in order to make the experience more positive and welcoming for those who utilize it to get food for their families.

“This is the first company that I’ve been

at that prides itself on developing the whole employee—not just the professional, but the personal side as well,” says Max Nevermann, a mechanical designer at KLH and one of the members of the Keep Lending a Hand committee. Through KLH’s commitment to charity work, Nevermann has become a junior board member of Brighton Center and teaches mindfulness and meditation at one of its senior living communities.

—Kevin Michell

The inaugural Best Workplaces in NKY event will celebrate the release of NKY Magazine’s list of w w w. b e s t o f n ky. c o m

Presents the Inaugural

this year’s deserving Northern Kentucky companies. This award celebration will feature the 2020 Best Workplaces in NKY awardees, select sponsors and friends of NKY Magazine.

February 27, 2020 5:30pm - 8:00pm

The Metropolitian Club 50 E Rivercenter Blvd # 1900, Covington, KY 41011

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Visit Cincy.Live for you complimentary ticket and more information! www.BestofNKY.com 41 1/17/20 10:35 AM

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2020 BEST WORKPLACES IN N K Y Most Committed to Employee Wellness: DBL Law

Platform Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

May 16, 2020 Newport on the Levee heartchase.org/heartchasenky HeartChase is a family friendly, community adventure game. Teams of 3-5

Official Sponsor

people compete in a chase through Newport, moving through multiple checkpoints where they must complete heart-healthy challenges.

General Sponsors

Jacob Holbrook

Craig Carlson

Keith Carlson

First Financial Bank Event Chair

Trust Financial Executive Challenge Co-Chair

VonLehman Executive Challenge Co-Chair

1 42 AHA_V1.indd NKY MAGAZINE

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When Bob Hoffer took over the role of managing partner at DBL Law in March 2019 after 40 years as a practicing lawyer in the firm, one of things he planned to help foster was a healthier environment for the company’s employees.

“One of the things that I am very passionate about is wellness and exercise and eating right,” Hoffer says. “So, we founded our wellness committee on May 8 of last year.”

Partners, associates, staff members and nurses who work with DBL from all three offices comprise the committee, which creates initiatives to maintain and improve employee wellness in all facets.

Hoffer mentions that there used to be a monthly pizza lunch for employees, which has since turned into Wellness Wednesdays.

These lunches offer healthy options for employees—though pizza is undeniably

popular, these healthier meal options have caught on in the DBL Law offices—and an educational component on topics ranging from heart health and diabetes to managing stress. That is complimented by a regular grocery delivery to the offices with fresh fruits and vegetables for snacking. It started as a weekly occurance but, as Hoffer describes, the snacks were so popular they were gone by Wednesday, necessitating a twice-weekly delivery.

DBL Law also offers free gym memberships, biometric screenings, flu shots and shingles vaccines to employees. In addition to physical wellness, Hoffer and DBL Law make sure employees have the freedom to support causes they believe in.

“One of the ideas that came out of the Wellness Committee is for the partners here to consider creating a new benefit called VTO—volunteering time off—where the employees get eight hours at some point during the year of their choosing to volunteer at some nonprofit.”

—KEVIN MICHELL

www.BestofNKY.com

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2020 BEST WORKPLACES IN N K Y Best Opportunities for Internal Advancement: St. Elizabeth Healthcare St. Elizabeth Healthcare not only strives to provide the highest quality of care and top-of-the-line patient experience, but also to be the very best place for physicians and associates to work, says St. Elizabeth’s Kymie Woolums.

In order to reach that goal, it is essential to offer an exceptional total rewards package—one that provides a range of choices that fits individual needs and lifestyles, she says. This includes actively recruiting and retaining associates of varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds, offering leadership training through its Leadership Academy, offering employee assistance program services at no cost and offering health insurance, dental coverage, vision coverage, long-term care coverage, life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance to both fulland part-time associates, says Woolums.

In addition, St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers

The Hilton Cincinnati Airport, a 314-room hotel with 8,273 square feet of conference and event space, works hard to make sure all employees feel included, no matter their background.

“We recognize that people are more than what appears on their resume,” says Renee Ellis, the hotel’s human resources manager.

“I think our team members genuinely feel cared for, valued and respected here.”

To keep everyone connected, the hotel holds monthly lunches for employees, where everyone receives a gift; hosts contests between departments, such as its annual pumpkin contest; and has regular team outings so that everyone can have some fun.

In addition, the hotel works to make all employees feel seen by management. “We celebrate achievements and successes together and we learn from our mistakes together,” adds Ellis. The hotel recognizes employees for excellence every month, at the end of each quarter and at the end of every year.

This fosters a work environment where the employees share a genuine care and concern for one another, Ellis says. “We are an incredibly diverse team and that’s what makes us so strong.”

—Corinne Minard

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student loan repayment assistance, tuition assistance, weight loss programs along with on-site gyms, paid time off with seven days of holidays, a 403(b) employee contribution match, time off for community involvement and flexible work hours, she says.

To provide opportunities to advance within the St. Elizabeth Healthcare organization Woolums says the nonprofit organization provides its more that 7,000 full-time employees with training and tuition reimbursement.

“At St. Elizabeth Healthcare our associates represent a key piece of our four pillars,” she says. “St. Elizabeth has an associate engagement department that works with associates and leaders to provide a work environment that supports our associates in their day-to-day activities and helps to provide a work life balance.”

—Eric Spangler

Most Inclusive CULTURE: Hilton Cincinnati Airport

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NKY Education

A Constant Evolution Holy Cross High School continually evaluates and updates its curriculum

By Eric Spangler

A

lthough it’s been open since 1919, Holy Cross High School in Covington never stops updating, evaluating and adding to its curriculum, says Jamie Lameier, director of advancement. “The goal of these (new) classes is to facilitate interest in a broad range of career paths,” she says.

As evidence of that growth in curriculum, the school has added architectural drawing and mechanical drawing classes this year, she says. Both classes are quickly becoming popular with the students, says Lameier. “It’s fun to watch the kids because there’s a lot of hands-on work that goes on within them.”

In addition to design skills, the architectural drawing class introduces students to practical aspects such as carpentry, electricity, plumbing and drywall installation, she says. “Students are developing basic skills and it may spark their interest in a trade field … or educate them as homeowners,” says Lameier.

The school previously offered mechanical drawing, but the new mechanical drawing class takes it up a notch by teaching students to use computer-aided design software to create, modify, analyze or optimize a design, she says.

“As the school year progresses they’ll be challenged to create three-(dimensional) design utilizing a three-(dimensional) printer model and sketch and try their hand at three-(dimensional) rendering,” Lameier says.

“The three-(dimensional) design introduces students to basic three-dimensional processes and materials while developing students’ ability to analyze form and space relationships,” she says.

In addition to the new classes that have been added to Holy Cross High School’s curriculum it also continues to offer advanced placement and dual-credit classes for students, Lameier says.

The “old building” of Holy Cross High School was erected in the midst of the Great Depression and still functions as the main school building today

Those dual-credit classes include courses in math, science and English and allow students to earn college credits while they’re still enrolled in high school, she says. Parents may like the fact that their children can earn college credit at a discounted cost, says Lameier.

“I can actually speak from personal experience because my daughter left here with… 29 credit hours so she was almost a sophomore when she entered college,” she says. “It’s challenging for (students) but it gives them an idea of what’s to come.”

Some of the dual-credit classes from

Thomas More University include world history, American history, American foreign policy, calculus and Spanish IV, while classes from Northern Kentucky University include introduction to biology I and II and introduction to human anatomy and physiology I/II. Holy Cross High School is a co-educational school with an enrollment this school year of about 350 students, says Lameier.

The average class size is about 20 and the average student-to-teacher ratio is about nine or 10 to one, she says.

Annual tuition is $7,235 for an in-district student and $7,920 for an out-of-district student, says Lameier. About 60% of this year’s senior class receives some sort of scholarship, she says. n www.BestofNKY.com

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ADDING TO THE FAMILY Brian and Heather Arlinghaus talk about expanding into plumbing services while maintaining their company’s core philosophy

BY KEVIN MICHELL

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he distinctive pink shirts worn by Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning stand out in a crowd, but so too does the company’s commitment to the customer service philosophy established by founders Brian and Heather Arlinghaus.

“The customer must win, the employees must win and the company must win,” explains Brian Arlinghaus. “If one of those doesn’t win, nobody wins. So, what’s really important for us from day one is it’s all about the team.”

That team mentality had to grow a little bit over the last two years after Arlinghaus added plumbing as a service line in 2018.

“It’s really been a focus of 2019 for us,

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having a plumbing team,” says Heather Arlinghaus. “It did require us to hire a plumbing manager and six people.” It also required adding an additional dispatcher for plumbing jobs, several vehicles and, of course, specialized equipment.

“It’s just made sense for us,” adds Brian Arlinghaus. “Our heating and air conditioning customers were going somewhere else for their plumbing needs. And, actually, a lot of customers asked ‘Why don’t you do plumbing?’ We got to thinking, well, why don’t we?”

It’s taken off quickly for the company— customers have been happy to receive the same quality service for plumbing as Arlinghaus has offered for HVAC services.

The early success has largely been a product of applying the same philosophy of customer service to plumbing that has been a hallmark of Arlinghaus since its inception.

Andy Caudill was hired on by the Arlinghauses first, to lead the new plumbing department.

“The plumbing manager that we hired on, he had to fit our culture,” says Brian Arlinghaus. “So, it took a while to find that right person and once we found that person, he needed to be out in the field, on top of finding more employees to add into our team. We hire for character and we teach the system.”

Looking ahead, Brian and Heather Arlinghaus are weighing the potential of adding an

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TOP: The plumbing team at Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning was built with the company’s customer service philosophy in mind.

LEFT: Company founders and owners Brian and Heather Arlinghaus

electrical division to the company as well.

But, as with adding the plumbing service line, the Arlinghauses will make sure to find the right person to lead the department before they commit to offering electrical services to their customers.

“That is something that is definitely on the horizon for us,” says Brian Arlinghaus.

“It’s very important to us—again, our existing customers need electrical services and they’re using somebody else currently when they could be using us.”

The strong company culture and philosophy, paired with the Arlinghauses’ willingness to plan ahead and ensure their company’s future is bright, has led the company to reach out to area high schoolers

about considering trade work after graduation. Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can offer graduating high schoolers training in the skilled trades where they won’t incur educational debt.

“These are things that we will pay for in order to educate them in the field while (they get) a paycheck and have benefits,” Brian Arlinghaus explains. “That is the key ingredient to our growth moving forward, because there’s not a whole lot of youngsters coming into the trades. In order for us to succeed and grow in this business and in our community, we’ve got to be going after the young males and females in high school that are getting ready to graduate and encourage them to come check us out.”

Two Covington Catholic graduates are on the current staff at Arlinghaus who both went into the trades right after graduating.

The fact that these two went to a highly regarded private school and chose to enter the field sparked the motivation in Brian and Heather Arlinghaus to reach out to area schools and their students about the viability of entering the skilled trades and, potentially, joining the Arlinghaus team.

“We’ll go down and visit Covington Catholic, we’ve done some things at St. Henry High School,” says Brian Arlinghaus.

Company outreach to Northern Kentucky and southern Ohio schools is a major focus

for the company in 2020 and beyond, as finding the next generation of employees will solidify the sustainability of Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

“We’re encouraging (the students) to come and check us out. We’re gaining some momentum with that, especially at St. Henry.”

The company offers interested students and graduates the opportunity to accompany Arlinghaus technicians on ride-alongs and meet company members to learn about the expectations of the job and the company’s customer service philosophy. Arlinghaus offers on-site job training and tailors its trade education to the personalities and proclivities of interested young men and women.

Arlinghaus has also forged relationships with Gateway Community and Technical College and Great Oaks to demonstrate the career potential of working in plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical service.

“When I was growing up, anybody who went into the trades was viewed as somebody who wasn’t going to succeed in life. It was frowned upon,” Brian Arlinghaus explains.

“That’s just so far from being true. If I could choose to go back and do it all over again, I’d still be in this industry because everybody needs us. Customers need us day in and day out. That is really the fulfillment of our industry—that people need us and we’re there to help them when they need us.” n www.BestofNKY.com

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NKY LIVE WELL

Revolutionary Treatments

New medicines can help clear up two common chronic skin diseases

BY ERIC SPANGLER

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ewer treatments for two common chronic skin diseases—psoriasis and eczema—have revolutionized the way doctors are now treating the diseases, says Dr. Christina Alexander.

“Psoriasis is a really common chronic inflammatory skin disease,” says Alexander, a dermatologist at St. Elizabeth Dermatology Crestview Hills at 651 Centre View Blvd.

“I would say it’s one of the more common things I see in clinics.”

Some of the newer therapies to treat psoriasis are called biologics, she says. The biologic drugs, a protein-based medicines manufactured from cell culture, are administered by a shot or intravenous infusion.

The biologic drugs target and block different inflammatory mediators and pathways that lead to psoriasis, Alexander says. “These newer ones actually are sometimes able to clear a patient’s skin disease,” she says.

The drugs that have been around the longest are known as tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF) inhibitors, Alexander says. In terms of risk, the major issue doctors worry

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about with these TNF inhibitor drugs is infection, she says. “But in general people tolerate them well.”

People with psoriasis, especially if they have more extensive skin disease, can also be at higher risk of having cardiovascular disease, says Alexander. Studies have shown that it’s possible to decrease the cardiovascular risk with the TNF inhibitor therapy, she says.

Newer biologic therapies to treat psoriasis target different molecules in the infl ammatory pathway, Alexander says. “So, for example, there’s a few that target something called (interleukin)-17,” she says.

Other psoriasis drugs target another molecule called (interleukin)-23, says Alexander. “They target different things but they’ve been shown to work really well,” she says. “It’s blocking the infl ammation that causes the skin disease.”

For those who might not be thrilled with the idea of receiving a shot for their psoriasis treatment, Alexander says there is also a pill that has recently been approved to treat psoriasis called Otezla.

Although it doesn’t work as well as the injection medicines or the biologic therapies, first-time patients have seen good results, she says. More importantly, the pill doesn’t increase the risk of infection, says Alexander. “So it’s a good option in that way.”

Dr. Christina Alexander of St. Elizabeth Dermatology Crestview Hills

Eczema, another type of chronic inflammatory skin rash, is typically treated initially with gentle skin care and then topical steroids, she says. Additional therapies would include light treatment or a pill called methotrexate, says Alexander.

More recently there’s been an injection medicine that’s been approved for eczema called Dupixent, she says. “It works really well,” Alexander says. “I’ve had several patients that I’ve treated with it and it’s cleared their skin disease so it just makes their lives a lot better.”

None of the new treatments for psoriasis or eczema can cure patients of the disease, only clear a patient’s skin. “If they were to come off of the medicine then, unfortunately, probably their rash is going to come back,” she says. “But usually what we do is keep them on it to keep them controlled.” ■

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Love NKY

Henry Haskamp, photographer Covington, KY www.BestofNKY.com

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