Price Hill

Price Hill is on Cincinnati's western edge overlooking the downtown basin. Locals love long-standing family-owned business like Incline Public House, Primavista and Somm Wine Bar. Once home to Pete Rose and the headquarters of Slush Puppies, Price Hill still houses a major food manufacturing plant for hometown-based Kroger. Mt. Echo Park offers sweeping views of the Cincinnati skyline, and Cincinnati Christian University resides along Glenway Avenue, attracting young students from all over the world to this unique and historical area of town. Groups like Price Hill Will and Cincinnati Landmark Productions are helping to revitalize the area with new entertainment options, local businesses and neighborhood restorations.

Building sustainable, resilient communities

By Deidra Wiley Necco

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Diversity

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December 13, 2011

Cincinnati may be venturing into the winter season, but civic and eco-groups are doing their part to keep our community green. This fall and winter the Women’s City Club, the Social Justice Committee of the First Unitarian Church and the city's Office for Environmental Quality team up to present “Fixing the Future: Building a Just and Sustainable Economy,” a Friday night lecture series focused on ways to ensure both a strong economy and a healthy planet. The series is open to the public and features experts in topics ranging from Peak Oil and building community resilience to building transition towns, and includes lectures, documentary screenings, and open discussion. The third installment in the series, “Building Transition Towns and Intentional Communities” occurs Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. It includes speaker Nancy Sullivan from Enright Ridge Ecovillage and takes place from 7-9 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton Street. Sullivan’s lecture on building transition towns explores proactive ways that communities can build resilience within their local economies to deal with changes to daily living caused by Peak Oil. “Things we take for granted will change as the price of extraction for oil becomes more expensive,” says Sullivan. “It starts with understanding what is likely to happen, and determining where people’s interests lie in terms of awareness of transition and change.” Things such as utilizing farmers’ markets, natural building materials and repurposing materials contribute to resilience. Jeanne Nightingale, president of the Women’s City Club says, “It’s about creating an economy of abundance rather than an economy based on scarcity.” Founded in 1915, the Women’s City Club of Cincinnati is on a mission to “secure a more just and livable community for all.” The WCC encourages citizens to become active members of the community on a broad range of topics. Upcoming topics covered in 2012 include a town forum on Cincinnati Public Schools’ community learning centers, urban farming and local food economy, the Cincinnati premiere of the documentary “Growth Busters,” and an examination of green housing and infrastructure, to name a few. Do Good: • Attend: “Building Transition Towns and Intentional Communities” on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church at 536 Linton Street. • Shop local. • Become: a member of the Women’s City Club of Cincinnati. • Tour: Enright Ridge Ecovillage the fourth Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m. By Deidra Wiley Necco

Imago nurtures sustainability in Price Hill, city

By Ryan

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Environment + Sustainability

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November 8, 2011

In the ever-expanding universe of grassroots organizations, nothing is more hardcore "grassroots" that a non-profit that specializes in the environment, You know... grass and roots. In Cincinnati, we have Imago, an environmental education organization that is committed to teaching Cincinnatians how to live sustainably in an urban environment. Since 1978, Imago's goal has been to excite residents about the benefits of sustainable living and inform the community of the people and resources available to help them. "Our goal is to answer the question 'How do we live in the city sustainably,'" says Chris Clements, executive director of Imago. "And there are a lot of different audiences located in urban neighborhoods." Clements says Imago holds information seminars for all ages, from children as young as 5 to the retired, each class catered to the audience. "With kids, you're talking about getting them outside and getting them to love nature," he says. For adult environmentalists, the focus is on creating spaces to share ideas on the nuts and bolts of sustainable living, whether it means going directly to group or hosting seminars for people to gather, which at times can be challenging. "[The environmental] community in Cincinnati is small, but passionate, and it's nice for people in that community to find other like-minded people," says Clements. According to Clements, many people have environmentalist tendencies, but don't want to be preached at or converted. They just want the facts that come from seminars that Imago hosts, such as the 'Ecology on Tap' series. 'Ecology on Tap' is basically a moderated conversation on environmental themes, such as how one can be a more conscious consumer or how to grow edible crops in an urban setting. It's catered for those people that urge to be greener, but aren't sure how to approach the lifestyle. Clements is sure more environmentalist exist in Cincinnati, they just don't know where to turn for guidance when they don't know where to start. "Sometimes people just need questions answered, like where they can go to compost," he says. "I think the word is out. Being green is part of the future." Do Good: Attend: the 'Ecology on Tap' seminars for more info on how to live sustainably and ecologically friendly. the next session takes place on November 16th. Donate: your time or money to keep the organization running. Connect: with Imago on Facebook and Twitter By Ryan McLendon

Knox leaders tour turnaround Cincinnati schools

By Lydia X. McCoy

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Cincy In The News

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September 27, 2011

Recently, 20 Knox County leaders took a day trip to Cincinnati to tour and learn more about the "community school" model, which uses school buildings for more than just teaching students. Read the whole story here.

Skyline founders serve up a scholarship

By Evan Wallis

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Diversity

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September 20, 2011

The Glenway Skyline, one of three operated by the Lambrinides, the company's founding family, will be serving more than coneys from now on. The fourth-generation family owners have created the $30,000 Glenway Skyline Scholarship to benefit graduates of Cincinnati Cooks. The Freestore Foodbank initiative offers free 10-week culinary courses for budding chefs in need of job training but with limited resources. Cincinnati Cooks prepares students for work in the food service industry. To further help the community, all the food cooked during courses is served at Kids Café, an after-school meal program that provides food for many Cincinnati Public School children. The Lambrinides brothers learned of the Cincinnati Cooks through John Young, president and CEO of the Freestore Foodbank, and long-time customer of the Glenway Skyline. “We’ve had an ongoing relationship with him and knew it was something we could help out with,” says Nicholas Lambrinides. The scholarship will be awarded in $1,500 installments to a new graduate of Cincinnati Cooks each year. The money will be deposited to the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State to allow the winner to continue a culinary education. Brenda Torres received the inaugural scholarship at the most recent Cincinnati Cooks graduation ceremony. “She’s a hard worker and is going to do well at the culinary institute,” Lambrinides says. He personally presented Torres with the award at the ceremony. The Lambrinides have a long-standing reputation of philanthropy in the city and were especially interested because of the culinary nature of their business and Cincinnati Cooks. “Cincinnati Cooks is a great program that helps the community,” says Lambrinides, co-owner of the Glenway Skyline. “Our great-grandfather came from a modest beginning and created something great with Skyline. Maybe we can help do the same.” Do Good: • Donate: Free Store Foodbank is always accepting donations • Volunteer: Contact Melanie Burden for information on how you can help out. • Advocate: Check out this page to see how else you can help the FreeStore FoodBank. By Evan Wallis

Cincy Metropolitan Orchestra celebrates 15 years

By Newsroom

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Arts + Culture

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August 16, 2011

Whether you prefer a symphony by Beethoven or the soundtrack of a Hollywood blockbuster, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra offers affordable, accessible music. Performing to a full house at the Seton High School Performance Hall, the CMO kicked off its free Summer Concert Series, which commemorates 15 years of service to the community. President Gail Harmeling, who is also first violinist and concert master, was one of the orchestra's founding members. "We all felt a mutual calling to form a group where non-professional musicians could play," says Harmeling. Ranging from high school students to senior citizens, orchestra members hail from a variety of careers and backgrounds. Conductor David F. Allen draws on his lifelong experience as a music director, teacher and pianist to balance and unify the ensemble. Although the orchestra performs throughout the area, Seton High School is its primary rehearsal and performance space. "We're very grateful to them for allowing us to use their beautiful auditorium," Harmeling says.In addition to being free and open to the public, CMO concerts appeal to various age groups and musical tastes. "We do perform classical music, but also Broadway, Big Band and Pops," Harmeling says. "There's something for everyone."To celebrate the 15th anniversary, CMO musicians and members of the vocal ensemble selected popular pieces from past concerts. Entitled "Back by Popular Demand," the Summer Concert Series includes music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Dance, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. Upcoming concerts will be held outdoors. "Little kids can run around and enjoy the music without having to be quiet," Harmeling says. With such a lively program awaiting the public, children won't be the only ones cheering for an encore.Do good:Make a donation. Become a Patron or purchase tickets to the October Broadway Concert.Volunteer with the Metropolitans. Email to find out how you can help behind the scenes.Audition. The CMO currently has openings for string musicians. Call (513) 921-4919 for more information.By Laura Thompson

Drawn together

By Aiesha Little

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General

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August 9, 2011

Independent comic book store owners in Greater Cincinnati are in the business of sharing their passion with the masses. In the age of e-readers and iPads, they satisfy die-hard fans and cultivate new ones by nurturing a sense of community.

Literacy Center West supports student success

By Newsroom

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Diversity

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August 9, 2011

Located on Warsaw Ave. in Price Hill, Literacy Center West helps more than 200 students a year prepare for their next move in learning. Whether that move is preparing for the GED test or learning how to properly fill out a job application, the staff at LCW is prepared to help through their Next Level Program. "All it really is, is life coaching," says Jeremiah Griswold, LCW program director. "Whatever barriers they have, we work to help them overcome them. If they have kids, we help them get childcare vouchers. If they need transportation, we help them get bus tokens." Students who enroll in Next Level must be between 17 and 21 and not currently be enrolled in school. The LCW staff and volunteers work with students in any areas they need so they can pass the GED. In 2010, 24 LCW students obtained a GED. Job readiness workshops help prepare those who have graduated from high school for interviews. Students learn tips for filling out applications and can "shop" in a closet filled with donations for clothes to help them dress the part. "The amount of kids who succeed and get a job is amazing," Griswold says. "It's around 87 percent." He attributes the success rate to the connections the staff makes with students. "It's all about building relationships with the kids," he says. "We follow up for three years after they leave. If their ride to work falls through, we will help them get a ride, and they know if they lose their job, they can come to us, and we'll help them out again." Do Good:• Volunteer. LCW needs math and English tutors for morning and evening classes. Email for more information.• Donate. LCW operates on a budget of less than $500,000 per year. Donations really do help. You can donate gently used clothing, too.• Play a round of golf. LCW's 12th annual golf outing will be held Oct. 10, 2011. Contact Jeremiah for more information.By Evan Wallis

Comics conversations

By Aiesha Little

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Arts + Culture

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August 9, 2011

Read It. Jeff Suess and his graphic novel discussion group meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, at the Mercantile Library. They'll be discussing Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol. There are copies available at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. [414 Walnut Street, 11th floor, downtown, 513-621-0717] Buy It. The 2011 Cincinnati Comic Expo takes place on Saturday, September 17, at the Duke Energy Center. Nearly 30 vendors will be on hand, selling everything from comics to figurines. [525 Elm Street, downtown] Try It. The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day, in which stores give away comics and other goodies to entice would-be customers. "Rockin' Rooster has a ton of graphic novels and a variety of new titles," Suess says. "Up Up & Away has great back issues. Queen City and Mavericks run the gamut in titles. Arcadian has a nice selection of independent titles. And Comic Book World in Florence has been around a long time and has a big selection. And the people who work at all these shops really know their comics." Go online to find out which local shops participate.

Cincinnati Development Fund earns $1.5M federal grant

By Newsroom

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Development News

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July 26, 2011

The Cincinnati Development Fund has been a financial resource for affordable housing development in the city's neighborhoods for 23 years. And that long track record of helping spur development -- and redevelopment -- in some of Cincinnati's underserved areas recently earned the CDF a $1.5 million federal grant to support its mission.The grant comes from the U.S. Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI). The CDFI awarded $142,302,667 to 155 community development financial institutions -- like CDF -- nationwide. CDF received $750,000 from the fund in 2010, making this year's award a very pleasant surprise, says CDF president and CEO Jeanne Golliher."We were really expecting something along the lines of what we got last year," she says.The $1.5 million sum is the maximum any single organization could receive from the CDFI. Golliher credits CDF's long-standing role in the community as reason for the high award."We're really in touch," she says. "We know where the needs are."A main focus of CDF's efforts, she explains, are smaller developers -- sometimes individual homeowners, sometimes development companies focusing on one or two buildings -- who wish to revitalize property in parts of the city suffering from high foreclosure and vacancy rates. The smaller developers fit a niche that complements larger development organizations, such as the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), which is in the midst of redeveloping a large portion of Over-the-Rhine. Golliher refers to many of CDF's borrowers as "urban pioneers:" people willing to be early redevelopers in areas that have yet to see widespread revitalization."We've had so much activity with our small loan program," she says. "There are a lot of cases where people want to buy and fix up a building on their own, and they come to us."Golliher says her team is in the process of planning how to best use the grant funds. Some of it may be used as matching funds for $3.3 million in low-interest funding CDF has requested from the U.S. Treasury to help fund small business development in the city. She plans to present a proposal for how the funds will be used at CDF's August board meeting. In the meantime, she says she and her team are thrilled by this recent show of federal support."I think it speaks to our track record," she says.By Matt Cunningham Follow Matt on Twitter @cunningcontent

Bees in the hood: urban beekeeping in the Queen City

By Elissa Yancey and Summer Genetti

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Health + Wellness

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July 12, 2011

A sense of wonder and a buzz of energy infuse conversations with Cincinnati beekeepers. For them, keeping bees is about living in harmony with nature and reinventing a tradition with many of the time-honored tools that have kept the world supplied with honey, and kept crops pollinated, for hundreds of years.