Crowning Achievement
Jeff Ruby jockeys notch Triple Crown.
Winner, Winner, steak dinner!
With a win at the Belmont, Jeff Ruby has won the Triple Crown for the second time.
Javier Castellano won aboard Arcangelo in the Belmont Stakes. Castellano also won the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby aboard Mage and has been sponsored by Jeff Ruby for five years. Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez rode National Treasure to a Preakness Stakes win.
The winners of each of 2023 Triple Crown races was a Jeff Ruby-sponsored jockey.
Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment sponsored six of the nine jockeys in the 155th edition of New York’s Belmont Stakes. In addition to Castellano, the jockeys included Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard Forte, who finished in second place, along with John Velazquez, Jose Ortiz, Manny Franco and Flavien Pratt.
Jeff Ruby has built meaningful relationships with these jockeys that go back several years and is overjoyed for them and their triumphant efforts during the Triple Crown racing season.
Ruby has been a long-time sponsor of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (www.PDJF.com), which supports jockeys who have sustained serious injuries. Because of this support, several active jockeys offered to wear the Jeff Ruby brand during the Triple Crown races: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Play Well, Do Good
A sold-out field of golfers and celebrities took to the links for the Inaugural Joe Burrow Foundation Golf Invitational, raising nearly $1 million for the organization. Check out the players and see how you can support the foundation!
“Everybody has a responsibility to do good.” is the cornerstone of the Joe Burrow Foundation.
With the Inaugural Joe Burrow Foundation Golf Invitational played on June 5, sold-out field of golfers and celebrities raised $924,250 for the organization at Coldstream Country Club.
Photos: Shae Combs
Celebrities who participated in the golf tournament included Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor, along with Bengals coaches and staff: Brian Callahan, Darrin Simmons, Dan Pitcher, Brad Kragthorpe, Lou Anarumo, Doug Rosfeld and Sam Francis.
Do Good
Want to contribute? The Joe Burrow Foundation has partnered with Ohio-based Where I’m From Apparel to sell Cincinnati and Baton Rouge-inspired “Do Good” apparel options.
Where I’m From Apparel will donate 100% of proceeds of the sale of “Do Good” apparel to the Joe Burrow Foundation, which launched in October 2022 to help meet the needs of families who are working to overcome food insecurity and childhood mental health issues in Ohio and Louisiana.
Purchase “Do Good” shirts!
Also joining for the golf tournament were LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, Bengals Legends Kenny Anderson, Jim Breech and David Fulcher, Bengals Broadcasters Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Marty Brennaman, and Cincinnati Reds Legend George Foster.
The Joe Burrow Foundation Golf Invitational was presented by Gravity Diagnostics, Encore Technologies and Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment, and was hosted by Jimmy and Robin Burrow, the parents of Joe.
The event committee led by Amy Floyd, executive director of the Joe Burrow Foundation, included: Chrissie Blatt, Briana Warm, Maggie Luggen, Amy Craft, Mikayla Pittman and Andi Sempier.
At the post-party celebration, nearly $500,000 was raised from the live and silent auction hosted by Cincinnati native Bill Hemmer and FOX News anchor. In attendance from the Cincinnati Bengals team were Joe Mixon, Orlando Brown Jr., Ted Karras and Sam Hubbard.
The Great Escape
One lucky winner tries to break out of The Escape Game with Bengals Sam Hubbard.
Have you ever wanted a height advantage in an escape room? Thinking a little extra muscle might help you break out faster?
Now imaging Bengals’ defensive end Sam Hubbard is on your team.
The Hubbard took on the challenge of the Escape Game at The Banks on Monday, for a good cause.
As a fundraiser for the Sam Hubbard Foundation, Hubbard raffled off a day of experiences, which included a tour of Paycor Stadium, lunch, and an Escape Game challenge.
The winner of the raffle, Bailee Kelch, a native of Celina and a recent graduate of Purdue University, met Hubbard and received a number of autographed items from the Bengals’ defensive end, along with the stadium tour and the escape room experience.
Hubbard and other Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees participated in the online raffle. Hubbard’s “Rally with Sam Hubbard” was the top fundraiser of all the raffles, bringing in $81,000 for the Sam Hubbard Foundation for equitable access to food, education and a healthy lifestyle for all Cincinnatians.
The Long and Snort of It
The Flying Pig Marathon marked its 25th anniversary with Jason Salyer and Caitlin Keen crowned champions, and weekend of events for runners of every kind.
The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon presented by P&G and Prysmian Group marked its 25th anniversary this weekend with Jason Salyer of Tipp City, Ohio, winning the men’s division of the full marathon and Caitlin Keen of Fort Worth, Texas, claiming a third Flying Pig Marathon win.
The 32-year-old Salyer, who took first place in the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon on April 23, won the Flying Pig in a time of 2:27:10. Second was Will Cadwell, 25, of Covington in 2:27:28, and third was 2017 and 2019 Flying Pig Marathon winner Jack Randall, 28, of Cincinnati, in 2:28:13. Cadwell also came in second in the full marathon last year.
“It’s unheard of to come back (after Glass City) and try another competitive marathon, let alone win it,” Salyer told reporters. “Will Cadwell gave me a real run for my money. I respect that guy. He had a big gap on me, and I didn’t catch him until around mile 19.”
Keen, 30, who led the female division from the start, took the women’s crown in a time of 2:45:34. Second among females was Katie Hallahan, 29, of Cincinnati in 2:59:08 and third was Lauren Mullins, 29, of Chattanooga, Tennessee in 3:00:00
Keen becomes the first female Flying Pig champion to win the full marathon three times. She won the 2021 Flying Pig Marathon in a time of 2:43:44 and the 2018 Marathon in 2:46:39. She also won the Paycor Half Marathon in 2022 in 1:21:08.
“I may be the first to win it three times but I will not be the last. “I want little girls to see this and know they can do anything they want.”
In the Paycor Half Marathon, Seth Elking of Miamisburg, Ohio, won in a time of 1:10:56, second was Eric Gruenbacher of Loveland, Ohio, in 1:11:09, and third was Chris Porst of Chicago, in 1:11:18. In the women’s division of the Paycor Half Marathon, Aimee Piercy of Cincinnati won in 1:24:43. Second was Julia Manzano of Cincinnati in 1:25:00, and Amy Manning of Cincinnati in 1:26:56.
The 25th anniversary of the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon weekend presented by P&G and Prysmian Group kicked off with local runners winning top honors at Friday night’s Fifty West Mile one mile elite division.
Jackson Siddall, 23, of Lebanon, Ohio, won the “dash for cash” in a time of 4:16:9. In a virtual tie at the finish was Andrew Taylor, 23, of Hilliard, Ohio, in second, and 26-year-old Michael Hall of Cincinnati, both in a time of 4:17:4.
In the women’s elite division of the mile, Katarina Smiljanec 29, of Covington, Kentucky, won in 4:58:9. In second was Brooke Wildermuth, 30, of Cincinnati in 5:00.9 and third was Kaylin Russeau, 32, of Dundee, Michigan, in 5:01.6.
In Saturday’s opening event, the sold-out Toyota 10K, Kyle Klingler, 29, of Cincinnati, won in a time of 33:16. Second was 31-year-old Luke Ogden of Oxford, Ohio in 33:37 and third was Sean Kane, 26, of Cincinnati in 33:50. In the women’s division, Olivia Anger, 25, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, won in 35:55. Second was Laura Pahren, 31, of Mason, Ohio is 38:00 and third was Sydney Larkin, 25, of Cincinnati in 38:23.
In the first-ever event within the Toyota 10K, the wheelchair hand cycle division, Yoshinori Tomoyasu, 49, from Oxford, Ohio, won in 36:16. Second in the division was Eric Boltz, 56, of Loveland, Ohio, in 36:33 and third was Jeffrey Daniel, 61, of Cincinnati in 38:11. Top female in the wheelchair hand cycle was Jennifer Hogan, 39, of Loveland in 38:56, second was Abby Marsh, 46, of Union, KY in 51:35 and third was Victoria Maring, 28, of Maineville, Ohio in 1:11:13.
In the Champion Windows 5K, also a sellout, Christian Leach, 21, of Monroe, Ohio, won in 16:30:9. Second was Zachary Hayden, 14, of Mason, Ohio, in 16:33.9 and third was Luke Ogden, 31, of Cincinnati in 16:40.7. In the women’s division, Brooke Wildermuth, 30, of New York won in 16:47. Second was Sarah Clark, 27, of Cincinnati, in 18:24.8 and third was Bukola Pereira, 27, in 18:48.3.
In the day’s other timed event, Adam Gloyeske, a former Flying Pig Marathon winner, won the Flying Fur two-mile run in 10:59. Also held Saturday was the Cincinnati Children’s 26th mile, the PigAbilities event and the First Watch Flying Piglet.
The 26th running of the Flying Pig Marathon weekend will be held May 3-5, 2024!
Too Pig To Fail
As the Flying Pig Marathhon celebrates its 25 anniversary, take a look at how many bananas, blankets, and beverages the runners need.
An economic impact study produced in 2018 by Xavier University showed that runners generate more than $12 million economic impact in Greater Cincinnati. That includes spending by out of town participants, local participants and their guests and families who come to town to cheer them on. The number includes more than $1.3 million spent for lodging and $1.2 million spent at restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and at the marathon Expo.
Participants and their families also spent more than a quarter million dollars over the weekend at department stores and other retail outlets.
Everyone knows the marathon is 26.2 miles, but there are other number equally important to the runners – What to eat and drink after the race.
Raisins/Craisins: 28
Fluid stations: 34
Bacon, in pounds: 150
Marshmallows: 649
Fig bars: 1,000
Peppermint patties 1,400
Gummy worms: 1,880
Graham crackers: 2,000
Gatorade: 2,280
Ice, in pounds: 4,000
Cheese crackers: 4,110
Jelly beans: 4,470
Chocolate candies: 4,700
Food donated to local food pantries: 5,960
Licorice twists: 7,182
Orange slice candy: 7,470
Potato chips: 8,640
Swedish Fish: 9,450
Cookies: 9,500
Orange slices: 9,680
Electrolyte drink: 11,472
Energy gel packets: 12,000
Pretzel sticks: 14,112
Bananas :22,000
Crackers: 22,500
Bags of chips: 40,000
Trail mix: 41,000
Kroger water bottles: 55,000
Fluid station cup: 600,000
Waste Not Want Not
Recycle those old electronics with altafiber this weekend.
Electronic Waste Recycling Event
Thursday, April 27–Sunday, April 30
The recycling event is at all altafiber store location – store hours vary, check website for details.
Earth Day may be over, but it’s always a good day to take care of the planet.
According to ERI, the largest fully integrated IT and electronics asset disposition provider and cybersecurity-focused hardware destruction company in the United States, less than 15% of e-waste is recycled in the US.
If you have a box full of old or broken electronics you need to get rid of, altafiber wants to help. You can recycle your e-waste for free during altafiber’s Electronic Waste Recycling Event at its stores in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton, and the items will be properly disposed of or recycled.
Recyclables include phones, laptops, cameras, cords, headphone, and tablets. altafiber will accept all electronics under 40 pounds except for televisions, batteries, appliances and hazardous waste.
Anyone who brings electronics will get a coupon for 10% new store purchases. The event is part of the company’s Earth Month celebration.
Aged to Perfection
A star-studded party celebrates Jeff Ruby’s 75th birthday.
Jeff Ruby celebrated his 75th birthday at the Jeff Ruby Steakhouse, downtown Cincinnati, last evening with a star-studded guest list including a surprise appearance by Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri, actor Emilio Estevez, The Blues Brothers from the popular Las Vegas Show, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Marty Brenneman, NFL Commentator Cris Collinsworth, and singer Lee Greenwood, who led the singing of “Happy Birthday” to Ruby.
Frame of Mind
Summerfair celebrates latest poster and new beer!
Butterflies, paintbrushes, and musical instruments can all be found in the 2023 Summerfair poster, created by local artist Danny Caro.
The poster was unveiled last Thursday at HighGrain Brewery, which has created a new beer featuring the poster's artwork on its label.
The beer is available on tap at HighGrain, 6860 Plainfield Road and select Kroger stores in the region. This year, you can buy tickets to Summerfair directly from the can via a QR code.
The poster will be available at Summerfair 2023, held at Coney Island from Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4. Tickets to Summerfair are $10 (cash only at the gate), with children 12 and under admitted free. Advance one-day or multi-day tickets are $15 and available online at summerfair.org.
Proceeds from Summerfair Cincinnati provide award, scholarship and exhibit opportunities to a variety of emerging (high school and college), individual (working professional) artists and local/regional small and mid-sized arts organizations throughout the year.
Pig Winners
Flying Pig Marathon awards $100,000 in scholarships.
The Flying Pig Community Scholars Program announced the 2023 scholarship program award recipients. The scholarship program, an expansion of Pig Works existing youth initiatives, provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Cincinnati Tri-State area who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and running.
The 2023 Flying Pig Community Scholars Program recipients are
Keene “Aiden” Bryant, Goshen High School
Lavinia Gryzymajlo, Summit Country Day
Ben Johnson, Elder High School
Liam Lakhia, Summit Country Day
Grace McKay, Mason High School
Brooklyn Pickers, Madonna Villa Academy
Madison Rahschulte, Batesville High School
Isaac Schachleiter, Mason High School
Kate Stiens, Walnut Hills High School
Bennett Turan, Mariemont High School
“The selection committee was impressed with the quality of the applications and the dedication of the applicants to community service. We encourage all students to continue to pursue their passions and to make a positive impact in their communities,” said Iris Simpson Bush, president and CEO of Pig Works.
Since its inception in 2018, the Flying Pig Community Scholars Program has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to deserving students in the community. This year, the program has expanded from four winners to ten winners (five female and five male). Each winner receives a $5,000 scholarship toward post-secondary education.
The Community Scholars program is generously funded by the Coughlin Family, by sponsorship from Skyline Chili, and through donations to the Community Scholars program. These contributions allow the program to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of students who have made a positive impact on our local community.
These ten students will be honored at the annual Community Scholars Breakfast event on April 19, 7:30 a.m. at Music Hall, where they will be recognized for their accomplishments and will have the opportunity to hear Olympian Mary Wineberg share her inspirational story. Tickets are still available for those interested in attending: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/73775/2023-flying-pig-community-scholars-breakfast.
For those interested in supporting the Flying Pig Community Scholars Program or attending future events, visit website at https://flyingpigmarathon.com/get-involved/high-school-scholarship.
Change is good
More kids can get in the game with new adaptive pickleball.
Adaptive Pickleball
Programs begin May 17, 6:30 p.m.
Withrow Pickleball Court
2488 Madison Road
Registration is now open!
Cincinnati Tennis Foundation announced the formation of its first-ever Adaptive Pickleball programs funded by a major donation from Larry Blundred, the founder of Ollie Otter Enterprises.
Pickleball, a mix of tennis and ping-pong, is the fastest-growing sport in America, and adaptive pickleball is a program for people with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges, according to Matt Dektas, executive director of the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation.
“The new program is one of the first in America and will create a safe and active program for our community thanks to the generous donation from Larry Blundred,” Dektas said.
Blundred is the founder of Ollie Otter Enterprises, a pickleball focused company, which includes music videos and two popular children’s books: “How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter,” published by Blundred in 2020 and “Ollie and His Pickleball Friends Return Home: The Story Continues…” published in 2022. Both books use the game of pickleball and animal characters such as Ollie Otter, Robby Raccoon, Wally Wallaby and Pauly Penguin to encourage compassion for differences among all people, young and old, who find community, fun and purpose through the game of pickleball.
A member of the Cincinnati Pickleball and Sawyer Point Pickleball Clubs, Blundred is a retired financial advisor and a former marketing executive in Cincinnati.
Blundred’s contribution to the Cincinnati Tennis Foundation will also provide annual scholarships and additional programming support.
Since 2015, Cincinnati Tennis Foundation has offered opportunities to thousands of students and players across parks, schools, youth centers, and clubs across Cincinnati and its urban core.
Joy Ride
GEST drives its green, electric fleet into more markets.
You’ve seen them zipping around downtown and you’ve probably ridden in one a time or two.
Now GEST (Green Easy Safe Transportation), founded by Patrick and Lauren Dye in 2018, is ready to drive into even more markets.
Providing free, environmentally friendly micro-transit and mobile advertising services to communities throughout the United States, GEST has named its first board member, Mike Murray. Murray brings more than 30 years of transportation and business experience having held a variety of senior executive positions in the industry, including CEO at FirstGroup America, North America’s largest ground passenger transportation company.
“GEST looks forward to collaboration with Mike as the company continues to grow its portfolio of services to include: last-mile, point to point, entertainment districts and event service,” said Patrick Dye. “We started GEST with five carts in 2018 and how have more than 40 vehicles in nine locations with an aggressive growth plan over the next three years. Our door is open to new franchise partners.”
The free, low speed vehicle service for guests to hail, just like a taxi cab, has expanded to nine U.S. locations, including Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas (Downtown and The Strip), and Louisville, over the last two years with future expansion plans in the works.
GEST began offering franchises in 2021, and has doubled its revenue over the last year. All franchises are currently female and/or minority owned. GEST delivers its services using a 100% electric fleet as well as the company’s proprietary digital hailing app.
Over the last two years, GEST has also been tapped to service major events including: an activation with Old Spice at the Super Bowl in Los Angeles and the Cincinnati Music Festival, and for guest transportation at the Waste Management golf tournament in Phoenix.
“GEST is a micro transportation company for people, a mobile advertising company and a tech company,” said Murray. “It’s an exciting time for GEST and I look forward to working with the team on the company’s expansion efforts over the next few years.”
Fun Fact
Chloe Hausfeld joins Newport-baseed Baynum Industries, world renowned for their work in amusement park Industry for four decades.
Chloe Hausfeld, a 12-year veteran of the entertainment and attractions industry, has been appointed a director at Baynum Amusement Solutions, responsible for developing new business and managing projects.
Baynum Solutions is has been an industry leader for four decades. Working in amusement parks, water parks, and construction, Baynum provides painting, ride relocation and installation, Life Floor and iSlide certified installations, and fiberglass restoration and gelcoating.
Hausfeld will be responsible for cultivating key client and vendor relationships while helping direct growth efforts for Baynum Amusement Solutions, the industry’s top service provider.
Hausfeld, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, joins Baynum after nearly 12 years with Jack Rouse Associates (JRA), part of RWS Entertainment Group, as Vice President. In her role there, Hausfeld traveled extensively to industry symposia, coordinated logistics for JRA’s activations, and provided client service and vendor relations at the events. As account executive, she also was active in client creative sessions and provided support on projects and management oversight.
“We are excited to have Chloe Hausfeld join our Baynum Amusement Solutions team,” said Walter Bowser, president, Baynum Amusement Solutions. “Her industry experience, connections and business development skills will provide an immediate impact to our continued growth. Most importantly, her positive and fun-loving attitude will be a perfect fit for our organization and clients.”
Her current professional leadership roles include membership on the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Board of Directors, member of the Space Allocation Committee, the Global Manufacturers and Suppliers Committee and the Give Kids the World Subcommittee. Hausfeld was also named the “Young Professional of the Year” in 2017.
Stand and Deliver
Meals on Wheels continues to provide meals and more to local older adults, with a boost from Molina Healthcare and iHeartI Media.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and rapid inflation have created a crisis for seniors experiencing loneliness and hunger across the nation,” said Jennifer Steele, CEO of Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY, and a member of the national board of Meals on Wheels America.
To help address these issues for older adults in the community, volunteers from Molina Healthcare of Ohio, in partnership with iHeartIMPACT and Meals on Wheels America, delivered meals to homebound seniors throughout Cincinnati and neighboring communities. This volunteer event was part of “March for Meals” on March 20 to commemorate the historic day in 1972 when a national nutrition program for seniors was added to the Older Americans Act.
This month also marks the first time since 2020 that SNAP benefits are reverting to their pre-pandemic formulas, making meal delivery and public/private partnerships more important than ever.
“We are so grateful for the support and partnership of Molina Healthcare of Ohio, iHeartIMPACT and iHeartMedia at a local, state and national level,” said Steele. “Together, we can deliver on the promise of providing so much more than just a meal.”
The event also served as a celebration of a $50,000 grant to support three Meals on Wheels programs throughout southern Ohio, provided by iHeartIMPACT, a division of iHeartMedia, on behalf of Molina.
The Meals on Wheels network continues to struggle with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and unstable conditions. Funding from Molina and iHeartIMPACT has been imperative in addressing current challenges and building capacity for those programs, helping to drive long-term sustainability beyond immediate funding.
“Molina is committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves, and addressing hunger among our seniors is part of that commitment.” said Ami Cole, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Ohio. “We are pleased to partner with iHeartIMPACT in supporting the mission of Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.”
This grant will provide 5,000 meals and friendly visits to program members while also providing funding to upgrade kitchen equipment and support pet and social service initiatives.
“LiHeartMedia is proud to stand with Molina Healthcare and Meals on Wheels America to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated,” said DJ Hodge, Metro President, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh for iHeartMedia. “iHeartIMPACT’s mission is to improve communities one media campaign at a time, and we’re thankful for Molina Healthcare in their commitment to joining us in this goal.”
Shamrock 'n' Roll
Last Saturday's St. Patrick's Parade was an excellent prelude to this tomorrow's hoopla. Find a little inspiration for the wearing o' the green as you celebrate March 17.
Last Saturday, The Banks celebrated with the St. Patrick’s Parade. But the Irish party continues this weekend with Beers & Bets and a bar crawl, and goes into the summer when the Red Leprechaun is set to open.
On Friday, March 17, catch all of the action of this year’s basketball tournament at The Banks and place your bets for the winners. DJs will be broadcasting LIVE all day with
6–10 a.m. – 96ROCK's Bridget & Nick
12–2 p.m. – Cat Country 94.1’s Tater
2–7 p.m. – Cat Country 94.1’s Patrick Scott and The FOX's Sean Kelly
On Saturday, you can join the Official St. Patrick's Bar Crawl, with check-in at the AC Upper Deck from 2 to 4 p.m. for wristband pick-up. Participating bars include Fishbowl at The Banks, Jefferson Social, and Tin Roof.
But the St. Patrick’s spirits rolls into the summer when the Red Leprechaun Irish Pub is scheduled to open at 20 West Freedom Way, between Taste of Belgium and E + O.
The new project is led by the team from Fishbowl at The Banks that has operated a block away since 2019. Owner Daniel Scott is partnering with Chef Brian Duffy to create the Irish-themed food menu. Duffy is known from his popular Spike TV series, “Bar Rescue” and appearances on Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay” and “The Today Show.”
The focal point of Red Leprechaun will be an imported bar from Malahide, Ireland (north of Dublin), that was built in 1957 and stood for 62 years until 2019. Scott purchased the full bar and stained glass, and shipped it from Ireland for a 57-day journey to Cincinnati. Scott is currently having the bar restored for the grand opening.
“Red Leprechaun will be a traditional Irish pub with modern flair from our menu to the live entertainment with bands and acoustic music,” said Scott. “We will be another great location for sports fans and visitors to The Banks.”
All In
What are the odds Ohio went all in on sports betting at Hard Rock?
The sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is definitely a good bet.
Hard Rock’s sportsbook generated $4.4 million in on-site bets, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission’s numbers. That’s the most of any of the 14 brick-and-mortar sports betting sites in the state. Hard Rock received $25.1 million in sports bets, known as handle, during the month, including through its app.
In all, Greater Cincinnati sports betting volume hit $526 million in the first month of legal gambling on games. That’s nearly half of the $1.1 billion that gamblers bet in Ohio on sports during January, according to newly released numbers from the commission that give the first look at legal betting totals at the state’s on-site sportsbooks and through mobile apps.
Hard Rock Cincinnati Sportsbook is located inside the Hard Rock Cafe and features a lounge area to enhance game days year-round for local sport fans. In addition to the sportsbook lounge area, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has more than 150 TVs, 33 betting kiosks, and six betting windows. The Hard Rock Sportsbook experience is also available anytime, anywhere throughout Ohio, via a mobile app and desktop sportsbook.
Strike a Pose
Artists enjoy opening for Summerfair's Emerging Artists exhibition at Clifton Cultural Arts Center.
The next generation of artists takes center stage at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center during Summerfair’s Emerging Artists exhibition.
At the opening last Friday, awards were presented to the best in show by Jayne Utter, Summerfair's managing director along with juror Mary Donaldson.
The first place winner was Helena Kaelin from Northern Kentucky University for the piece, The Prodigal Daughter. Second place went to Mary Visco, Miami University. with Expanse. Alyssa McRoberts from Mount St. Joseph University, took third place for Tracing Time. Honorable mentions were given to Kendra Yurt, from Thomas More University, for Midnight Pondering and Madison Mackinnon of Miami University, for Phoenix Ember Emerging.
The Jerry Bollen Award was presented to Nick Felaris of Miami University for the work, KETTLEPEOPLE.
The exhibition continues through Feb. 24
Bring in the New
The Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce recently elected new officers and shares their 2023 goals at their annual meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
The Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce recently elected new officers and shares their 2023 goals at their annual meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
The new officers of the AACC are
Shannon D. Lawson, Esq., chair and an attorney with KMK Law, serving in the firm’s Business Representation & Transactions Group
As an attorney in the firm’s Business Representation & Transactions Group, Lawson assists clients with all aspects of their commercial financing and equipment leasing needs. Shannon has successfully negotiated and structured numerous transactions—and has become the go-to source for clients when it comes to solving their complex legal issues within finance and leasing.
Apryl Pope, secretary and a financial planner with Pope Financial Planning, LLC.
Pope and her team work one-on-one with families and business owners to design and implement a personalized plan to pursue their financial goals. As a former high school teacher, she values education and is committed to teaching others about the importance of financial planning and wealth building.
Royce Sutton, treasurer and an executive vice president with Fifth Third Bank
Sutton is an experienced Community Reinvestment Act compliance manager, with more than 20 years of regulatory and community development business success. His work includes everything from creating business development strategies and opportunities with community partners to administering the foundation grants program and maintaining outreach with key community, government, business and non-profit leaders.
Erica White-Johnson, Esq., vice chair and an attorney with altafiber.
She has a degree in accounting from Hampton University and is a graduate of William & Mary Law School.
She also serves on the City of Cincinnati Primary Care Board of Governors, which has the responsibility for establishing policies, including determining the scope and availability of services, location and hours of services, and assuring the organization is operating in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Board’s oversight of the public entity is governed by its by-laws and a co-applicant agreement with the Board of Health.
The Chamber will also welcomed two new board members.
Darrick Dansby, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. Williams received his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina and his law degree from The Ohio State University.
Dansby has been a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty since 2014 and began his Real Estate career working with the 3CDC (Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation) and later served as the Director of Development for Price Hill Will.
Max Williams, an associate attorney with Frost Brown Todd,
During his time in law school, Williams was the chief managing editor for the Ohio State Business Law Journal. He also served as an executive justice for judge recruitment on the Moot Court Governing Board.
Williams previously worked as a clerk for a Personal Injury attorney in Columbus, Ohio, and as a summer associate of the firm in 2019.
More Than Movies
Film Cincinnati makes an impressive showing at the Sundance Film Festival, which was back in full swing after two years of on-line screening only.
The Big ‘Dance
If you plan to go out to Sundance next year, consider becoming a member at www.sundance.org (different levels are available, depending on how much you want to do and see).
Membership gives you early access to tickets, whether you want single-movie tickets or packages. It also gives you a discount on Sundance merch, always a hot commodity. For cinephiles, it’ an exhilarating immersion into independent cinema and a first look at some of the films we’ll be talking about in the months to come.
The Sundance Film Festival, an offshoot of the Sundance Institute founded by Robert Redford in 1981, was back in full swing in person (and virtually) in 2023 after two years of on-line screening only. It’s certainly the place to see and be seen in the industry, where fans can walk the streets with some of the biggest names in film, and party with entertainment and cinema glitterati.
While movies are shown in locations throughout the area, the hub of the action is the ski resort town of Park City, Utah, a vacation paradise not just in summer, but year round.
Normally a pleasant little resort city of 7,500 tucked in the Wasatch Mountains, the town explodes during Sundance with film buffs, film makers and film movers and shakers (in fact, most of the natives get out of town for the week and rent their homes to visitors for a pretty penny). Car service is a must, especially if you’re staying at nearby resorts. Ride sharing is available, but often your driver is from out of town and doesn’t know the back streets, a must during festival week. (Two feet of snow doesn’t help, either, especially when said back streets are still snow covered)
While this year’s festival ran from January 19 through January 29, the real action happens during that first weekend—in fact, many of the major sponsors pull their activations out of town after Monday. It’s a time for aspiring moviemakers to make connections, film industry veterans to reconnect after two years on line, and, oh yes, see some of the finest independent movies being made today.
Some of the hot movies being screened at Sundance this year were a series of documentaries, including “Little Richard: I am Everything” and “Still: A Michael J Fox Movie,” psychological thriller “Cat Person” and the mocumentary “Theater Camp.” Making headlines for all the wrong reasons was the drama “Magazine Dreams,” when the Sundance jury, including Marlee Matlin, walked out on the premiere because the caption technology wasn’t working.
The Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky film industry was well represented at this year’s Sundance, thanks to Film Cincinnati and its executive director Kristen Schlotman, starting with an open-to-the-industry Bengals-Bills watch party at the famed No Name Saloon on Main Street in Park City. Filmmakers, performers and Cincinnati ex-pats vacationing or living in the area stopped by to cheer on the Bengals to the divisional victory.
Film Cincinnati also partnered with Kentucky Film for a Monday afternoon reception to boost the film industry in the Bluegrass. More than 400 RSVP’d for the event at The Cabin, which featured Kentucky bourbon and live music.
– Betsy Ross
Buffalo Stance
Bengals shuffle into the AFC Championship with a win against Buffalo, and we were there!
Did you see that? Despite the snow (and the cold), the Bengals got the win against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday at Highmark Stadium. Undaunted by the weather at home and on the road, the Bengals faithful made the trip, bringing the ultimate tailgate experience to Buffalo and rounds of WHO DEY inside the stadium.
Ruffling Some Feathers
WHODEY! Check out some of our favorite Bengals fans from the AFC Wild Card game.
Bengals fans took tailgating to new heights before the Wild Card game on Sunday, Jan 15 against the Baltimore Ravens.
