Baking the World Better

On Sunday, walkers and runners of all ages will lace up their sneaks, and leave room for dessert, at the Pie-K 5K at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. This family-friendly race is organized by, and benefits, Meals on Wheels of Southwestern Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Along with a T-shirt and medal, each Pie-K participant will receive a swag bag with fun times from the race sponsors—Cigna, Hard Rock Casino, St. Pierre Bread, Dedicated Seniors, AirTron, CET, Cinfed Credit Union, Fleet Feet, Taft’s Ale House and Sweets by LaDawn.

Race registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday and the race begins at 8:30am. Runners can still register at www.muchmorethanameal.org/sweet-run-walk.

Participants also have an opportunity to pre-order pies for Meals on Wheels' annual Bust a Crust! fundraiser, the organization's biggest of the year. Pie pick up and delivery happen just before Thanksgiving.

Want to help MOW even more? They are currently looking for volunteers to help pack pies and carry them to the cars on Bust a Crust! pick-up day. Find out how to help at www.muchmorethanameal.org.

At the Forefront

When Judy Rankin joined the NBC Golf Channel crew for the broadcast of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G last weekend, it wasn't her first visit to Kenwood Country Club. She played there in the 1963 Women's US Open, won by her roommate, Mary Mills. And, of course, she also played as part of the LPGA Tour in the LPGA Championship when it was held at Kings Island. Last weekend Betsy Ross had the chance to interview the World Golf Hall of Famer about the tour, the state of the game and what's the future for the LPGA.

The Fan Experience

“There’s no daily routine, right? There’s always something different.”

Creativity, connection and a little bit of fun – those are just a few of the words FC Cincinnati’s Fan Experience Manager, Hannah Siefert could use to sum up work.

Siefert explains that the fan experience includes everything from the food and drinks you enjoy at the game to the FCC gear you buy and wear around town, but it’s so much more. She also points out that there are so many individuals at FCC who create the fan experience.

“My goal is to make sure every fan has a great time when they’re in the stadium. ”

— Hannah Siefert

To her the “fun” part comes in when she gets to interact with the fans.

“Washington Park is our pre-match activation space so, I plan that out with my coordinator to get family friendly things, a band for adults, inflatables for kids,” Siefert says. “So, we really try to make it a fun atmosphere so they know they’re coming down for that and then we transition that to inside the stadium.”

Inside the stadium, Siefert and her team bring the National Anthem, halftime fun, and more.

“I absolutely love making a fan’s day and making memories for people. That’s why I do what I do. When I worked in baseball, it was giving a fan a foul ball to a kid or getting something signed by one of our players,” she says.

“Here, it’s seeing all the fans cheer and get really excited when someone scores a goal or at Washington Park and I see kids running around with their faces painted…it’s just, making those memories someone will have for the rest of their life, it’s awesome.”

In 2019, FCC partnered with the eMLS or Major League Soccer Esports to compete in the FIFA video game series.

The club signed Cisse Diop two years later to represent them and it took off from there.

“It’s such a globally recognized sport. And it is a sport! Gaming is recognized as much as soccer, football.. so, it’s really nice to be involved in that community.”

The 50th anniversary of Title IX was celebrated this summer; a massive boost for women in sports.

“I definitely feel like it’s a lot better than it used to be. I grew up with people telling me ‘Oh, it’s gonna be tough. You have to know X,Y & Z..’ ..My boyfriend can give me the starting pitcher of the August 23rd game in 2002. I never in my life could give those kind of stats but that doesn’t mean I don’t know sports, it doesn’t mean I can’t work in sports. I have my own passions and my own things I bring to the table,” says Siefert.

She praises her former employer, The Florence Y’alls and current employer, FCC.

“I’ve never felt like my opinion didn’t matter, I’ve always felt empowered to be me and be myself,” says Siefert. “I really feel like we’re moving in the right direction and I hope it continues to get better, that women don’t even have that inkling or fear in the future.”

Title IX at 50: What’s been done, what’s left to accomplish

Women’s sports are having a moment.

Earlier this month it was announced that the NCAA women’s college basketball title game will be shown on ABC instead of ESPN, and the NWSL’s championship match will be on CBS in prime time. No subscription or cable needed, both will be on the major networks.

This follows the ratings for this year’s NCAA women’s title matchup between South Carolina and UConn, which was the most-watched college basketball game, men’s or women’s on ESPN, in more than a decade, according to USA Today. The article also points out that the Women’s College World Series averaged 1.1 million viewers, the third straight year it’s been above a million, while the WNBA says viewership for its playoff games are up 39 percent over last year.

There’s a real good chance that none of that would have been possible without Title IX.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Title IX wasn’t originally designed to boost women’s sports, but that turned out to be a side benefit from its equality statement. “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

What came afterwards was an explosion of women’s sports, especially on the college level. And the young girls who had those first opportunities when they were in college, are now the mothers of the players in the WNBA, NWSL and other sports who grew up watching their own moms and other girls and women play sports.

Jane Meier was one of those who was able to take advantage of the sports available, and became one of the first females to serve as an athletic director at the college level, at Northern Kentucky University. Jane was a coach at NKU before becoming athletic director in 1988 and under her watch the school made 76 NCAA tournament appearances, 13 trips to Division II Final Fours, and two national championships.

JANE MEIER

Photo courtesy of NKU

Jane Meier

• One of the first females to serve as an Athletic Director at the college level.

• Was a coach at NKU before becoming the AD.

• Made 76 NCAA tournament appearances, 13 trips to Division II Final Fours & 2 National Championships!

“I am a pre-Title IX student-athlete, therefore, did not have the participation and financial opportunities after its passage,” Jane said.  “But, because of professional women at the College of Mount Saint Joseph (1965-69), Eastern Kentucky University (1976-77), Northern Michigan University (1977-78) and a woman and men at Northern Kentucky University (1978-2009), I benefitted from Title IX professionally. 

“I benefitted from my high school and college playing career even if it had limited opportunities.  I benefitted from my high school teaching, coaching and administrative years at Notre Dame Academy, because it helped me to aspire to coach at the intercollegiate level.”

Jane arrived at NKU in 1978 as the head slow-pitch softball and volleyball coach, four years after the school added women’s athletics. “Because of Title IX, they provided for the athletic scholarships for women student-athletes.  NKU was the first public institution in Kentucky to offer women athletic scholarships.  I coached two sports a year for 10 years and I served as the women’s athletics coordinator for five of those 10 years.

“I was selected as the Athletic Director in August, 1988, 16 years after the passage of Title IX.  I was the 57th woman in the country to be appointed to direct a men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletics program and just recently found out, I was the first woman AD named in the NCAA Division II. (NOTE: I was the first woman to serve on the men’s NCAA Division II National Basketball Committee).  I served in the capacity for 21 years. 

“Until recently, when NKU named Christina Roybal NKU’s AD, I was the only woman to serve as AD at a Kentucky public institution of higher learning before and since the passage of Title IX.”

Photo courtesy of UC

Maggie mcKinley

For Maggie McKinley, Deputy Director of Athletics/SWA at the University of Cincinnati, Title IX introduced her to collegiate athletics. “Title IX opened the door for me to attend and represent the University of Cincinnati in track & field. The women’s program only existed for a few short years during the early 1980’s and had been dormant ever since. The program was reinstated for the 1995-96 year to assist in creating more participation opportunities for females to be in compliance with Title IX.

““Title IX opened the door for me to attend and represent the University of Cincinnati in track & field. The women’s program only existed for a few short years during the early 1980’s and had been dormant ever since.””

“I was a member of that first recruiting class for track & field entering in the fall of 1996 and would not have attended UC without that opportunity which led to my career in college athletics administration. As an administrator, it has enabled me to not only add more chairs to the table, but support the need for a bigger table.”

According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, women’s participation in college athletics has increased exponentially since Title IX. Today, WSF reports that women make up 44% of all NCAA athletes, compared to 15% pre-Title IX. In high school, it’s estimated that girls have 3 million more opportunities to play high school sports now, than before Title IX.

With Title IX offering female student-athletes more opportunities than ever, and with women’s sports more popular now than ever, both Jane and Maggie see bright futures for female athletes.  “I am very hopeful for the future of Title IX and that equity and opportunities are the norm.” Maggie said. “Decisions are made and resources are allocated because it’s the right thing to do, not because a federal law requires it.”

“It is up to all involved both men and women to continue to ensure that all student-athletes are

treated well and equally,” Jane added. “Unfortunately, there are some unknowns and plenty of uncertainties with the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) inauguration. But, because of Title IX, the women student-athletes should be protected. And, Title IX is not just about athletics and fair treatment for female student-athletes. It is a law that serves all men and women in all areas of our lives.”

Written by Betsy Ross, Founder & President, Game Day.

Sweet Love

If you haven't ventured into Cafe Mochiko, an Asian American bakery in Walnut Hills, you need to.

Just make sure you arrive early for their popular and delicious pastries.. especially on the weekend.

More of a night owl? That's ok.. head on over for homemade ramen and Yoshoku cafe fare around dinner time.

Recently, we chatted with Cafe Mochiko's owners Elaine Townsend and Erik Bentz and got a rundown on their amazing menu..

Cafe Mochiko is the place to be if you're looking for authentic Asian American eats.

Many of the cafe’s dedicated clientele rave about its pastries (served mornings and afternoons) and nightly ramen offerings (with locally sourced ingredients).

We stopped into this Walnut Hills hot spot on a busy Saturday morning and pretty much ordered the entire menu.

From the Ube Croissant to the Kimchi and Egg Croissant, and the BBQ Pork Snow Bao to the Taro Mochi Donut, everything was delish. 

Husband and wife owners, Erik Bentz and Elaine Townsend welcomed us in. Both professional chefs, the couple’s culinary adventures brought them to Cincinnati and Cafe Mochiko.

But does Mochiko mean? Well, it’s not what we thought!

“Mochiko is a glutinous rice flour that we use often and it's also named after our dog, Mochi,” said Townsend. “She’s a poodle and we love her!”

“We have pastries, coffee and tea in the morning,” she said. “We break for a little bit and then at night it turns into a dimly lit cafe with Japanese comfort food.”

That Japanese comfort food includes Broccoli Gomae (a vegan dish of broccoli with sweet sesame dressing), Miso Eggplant (roasted eggplant, sweet spicy miso glaze, and tamaki gold rice), and Karrage (fried soy-marinated chicken thigh, and kewpie mayo).

Mochiko also offers authentic ramen dishes that change weekly.

The restaurant, which began as a pop-up, opened in Walnut Hills in the early 2021.

Bentz says the response from the community has been positive. But from what we saw on our visit, that's an understatement. The lines grow quickly, so make sure you get there early!

Tonight's Special

Photo by Shae Combs

In the City of Cincinnati, the Ruby name is synonymous with exceptional steak and service.

“I knew from an early age that this was what I wanted to do, says Dillon Ruby, the executive vice president of Jeff Ruby Entertainment and the president of the Jeff Ruby Foundation. “Every time I was in the restaurants, I just had so much fun, so much joy. It sounds cliché, but you find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.  I truly feel I haven’t worked a day in my life.”

If you think being the boss’s son had anything to do with his title, you’d be wrong. Ruby has worked at almost every position within the restaurant – from washing dishes to server assistant, and valet to server, before working in management. 

“It was something I worked really hard for. My father told me ‘You’ll never get into management until after college’,” says Ruby. “So I learned every position, started from the ground up.”

That process was important to Ruby, as well as continuing to live by the values of Jeff Ruby Entertainment.

“We live by our values,” which Ruby explains are be exceptional, true to self, hustle, servant’s heart and change the game.

“Those are family values that my dad instilled from his childhood,” he says. “So, we try to live those out every day.”

The restaurant group also continues to work toward diversity and inclusion.

“It’s one thing to have diversity but what are you doing to keep those folks? So, creating that inclusive environment which goes back to our core values has been great for us,” he says.

Everyone has their favorite spot to bring friends and family to celebrate special moments. One of the most popular local spots is The Precinct, the longest running fine dining restaurant.

“It’s an honor – 41 years has been a great ride. My job now is not to screw it up!” says Ruby.

While The Precinct is a constant, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse downtown is relocating this Fall to The Foundry at Fountain Square. Plans for the new space include a grand patio, live entertainment, art deco décor, crystal chandeliers and a legacy room that pays homage to Cincinnati legends.

“My dad is calling it his legacy restaurant,” says Ruby. “Our city doesn’t have (the blueprint) of what we’ve done in cities like Lexingtonand Nashville, so, we’re excited to bring that here. It’s a really exciting feeling to bring it home. ”

– Kathrine Nero 

Restoration Act

Love mid century modern pieces? Then we’ve got a treat for you!

In this week’s show, we'll introduce you to Jeff Molski, a Mariemont man who turned his temporary tinkering with furniture, lights, decor and more made in the 1950s & 1960s into a full-time job with a massive social media following. 

Come along as we tour his studio at Cincy People Show.

Photos by Shae Combs

Beyond Belief

The Greater Cincinnati’s interfaith community comes together once during the fifth annual Festival of Faiths. This week-long, hybrid celebration, July 31 – Aug. 7, includes meaningful, entertaining, and educational programming.

“Compassion Through Action: Working for the Common Good” is this year’s them, with a focus on community and unity throughout the week. The festival culminates in an in-person festival on Aug. 7, at Xavier University’s Cintas Center with cultural foods, merchandise, youth and adult activities, faith-based exhibitors, cultural and ethnic music, and entertainment.

EquaSion, the hosting organization, has assembled an outstanding committee working with sponsors and faith-based groups from all over the region. This year’s festival co-chairs, Penny Pensak, Afreen Asif, and Bishop Marvin Thomas Sr. lead a dedicated group composed of members of diverse backgrounds.

All events and programs are free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required for the virtual events.

Find all the details at www.equasion.org/festival-of-faiths/interfaith-celebration.

All for You

Cincinnati Music Festival

Thursday, July 21 – Andrew J. Brady Music Center
BJ the Chicago Kid, Arin Ray, Ari Lennox

Friday, July 22 – Paul Brown Stadium
Charlie Wilson, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Toni! Tony! Tone! Jonathan Butler

Saturday, July 23
Janet Jackson, The O’Jays, Tank, After 7, Kirk Whalum

Tickets are still available at CincyMusicFestival.com or by calling 513-924-0900.

“We’ve been off for two years and are so glad to be back, so glad that people are feeling comfortable to travel in from out of town. The hotel rooms are booked out past the airport,” says Fran Santangelo-DiBattista, the director of marketing and PR with Cincinnati Music Festival. “We have so many fans coming in to enjoy this concert. We’re so excited.”

After a lengthy absence, Cincinnati Music Festival, presented by P&G, returns to Paul Brown Stadium July 22 and 23, with an incredible line-up of R&B artists including Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, The O’Jays and more.

For the first time, performances on Thursday, July 21 will be held at The Andrew J. Brady Music Center.

Music History

“My uncle and my dad, who worked together were lovers of Jazz, lovers of live concerts,” says Santangelo-DiBattista.“My dad is a musician himself, (he) plays the piano. Music has always been in our family. It (CMF) started off as a smaller jazz concert, one Though the first of the first festivals in the United States.”

Though shows in the 1950s were held in French Lick, Indiana, since the 1960s the festival has called Cincinnati home, with early shows at Crosley Field. Among the greats who have played the festival over the years are Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Nina Simon, Miles Davis, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughn, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Kool & The Gang, Midnight Star, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Barry White, Earth Wind and Fire, Erykah Badu, John Legend, and Aretha Franklin.

“I think the transformation that’s taken place, starting with jazz, morphing into R&B…We’ve got hip-hop, soul,” says Santangelo-DiBattista. “I think the best part is always watching it come together.”

“Thursday, our show kicks off the at Andrew J. Brady Center,” says Santangelo-DiBattista. “We have Ari Lennox headlining that show. She is a huge name in R&B right now, a fan favorite. We’re excited to welcome her.”

The weekend is huge for the region. A recent study by the UC Economics Center indicates that CMF weekend is the largest tourism weekend of the year in Cincinnati, with an economic impact of $107.4 million.

“We hear stories from businesses…The TJ Maxx in Kenwood every year has their biggest year during our weekend. Skyline Chilis say they wait for this weekend,” says Santangelo-DiBattista. “It’s a really great waterfall effect to see the small businesses and the impact this weekend does.”

– Lauren Artino

Raison d'Être

Bastille Day Party
Friday, July 15, 6 p.m.
Weller Park, 10021 Weller Road

The event is FREE for members, $5 for individual guest, and $10 for a non-member family.

Details at www.afcincinnati.com/event-cms/bastille-day.

Vive la France!

Alliance Française de Cincinnati, the primary French cultural institution in Greater Cincinnati, celebrates Bastille Day at a family picnic on Friday, July 15.

Board member Eric Vespierre talks about the event, as well as how this non-profit organization shares their passion for French language and Francophone cultures in our local community.

Get Together

Cincinnati hosts one of its largest conventions since the pandemic, welcoming the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church for their 39th Quadrennial Session and 40th General Conference.

The C.M.E. Church convenes on a quadrennial basis for the purpose of conducting the Church’s legislative business and financial reporting. The Conference includes presentations from dynamic and nationally known preachers.

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton

The first woman elected a CME bishop during the Conference, Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, will open the conference, making it an historic occasion.

The General Conference is a delegated meeting composed of the church’s active and retired bishops (known as the College of Bishops), its department heads (General Officers), Judicial Council, laity and clergy delegates and alternates, and visitors. The General Conference meets every four years, and the presiding officers are the bishops of the church who take turns each day in their order of seniority. Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III is the Senior Bishop of the Church and the Chief Executive Officer of the denomination. Bishop James B. Walker is the Chair of the College of Bishops, and Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr. is the host bishop.

On That Note

After two seasons away, Cincinnati Opera returns to Music Hall and the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Evans Mirageas, the Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director at Cincinnati Opera talks about the 2022 season, inviting fans to be swept away by one of the most famous love stories ever sung, set sail on a swashbuckling adventure, experience the grandest of all grand operas, and discover new voices telling compelling stories through music.

The 2022 Summer Festival

La Bohème
Giacomo Puccini
June 18, 23 & 25
Music Hall

Get swept away by one of the most famous love stories ever sung. La Bohème has captivated generations of audiences with its unforgettable music and its sweetly sentimental tale of young, bohemian lovers in Paris.

World Premiere!
Fierce
William Menefield & Sheila Williams
July 6, 9 & 10
School for Creative and Performing Arts

Four teenage girls struggle with the pressures of school, family, and friendship. Despite the chorus of trolls that taunts them, they soon unite in a transformative journey toward empowerment and self-assurance in this heartwarming premiere.

The Pirates of Penzance
Arthur Sullivan & W.S. Gilbert
July 7, 8 & 10
Music Hall

Set sail on a perfectly preposterous adventure, complete with dutiful daughters, cowering constables, and softhearted swashbucklers. With vibrant sets and costumes, memorable tunes, and rapid-fire laughs, The Pirates of Penzance is a modern, major spectacle for the entire family.

 World Premiere!
Castor and Patience
Gregory Spears & Tracy K. Smith
July 21, 23, 24, 28 & 30
School for Creative and Performing Arts

A long overdue reunion finds two African American cousins at odds over the fate of a historic parcel of land they have inherited in the American South. With soaring music and a powerful original libretto, this topical premiere is the buzz of the opera world.

 Aida
Giuseppe Verdi
July 22, 26, 29 & 31
Music Hall

Experience the grandest of all grand operas in this lavish production evoking the splendor of Ancient Egypt. From its star-crossed lovers to its thunderous “Triumphal March” featuring a 60-voice chorus, Aida is an epic romance for the ages.

 Special Concert Event—One Night Only!

Morris and Friends
Morris Robinson
July 27
Music Hall

World-renowned bass and Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor Morris Robinson hosts and curates a special, one-night-only concert of opera, gospel, and musical theater.

Tickets for all performances at my.cincinnatiopera.org/events

Run Along

The FCC3, presented by Medpace, is June 18. This 3-mile walk/run starts on Central Parkway and ends at TQL Stadium, followed by the free TQL Watch Party as FC Cincinnati takes on Philadelphia Union on the road.

Find out more and register at fccrace.com.

Conventional Wisdom

The Cutting Edge of Elder Care: Global Approaches to Serve Elders in Our Own Community

June 2
Oasis Conference Center, Loveland

Keynote Speaker: Eloy van Hal

Symposium topics include, caring for aging baby boomers, hidden symptoms of dementia, race and religion in long term care settings, technology advances in elder care, new research on helping families better communicate as they care for a parent, and culturally competent care for LGBTQ older adults.

The event is open to the public and nurses, social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapy therapists can earn continuing education credits.

Register at www.elderlawcincinnati.com

Presented by The Law Practice of Dennison Keller, LLC

Industry leaders including a world-renowned cardiac surgeon, a research scholar in geriatrics, elder law attorneys, and experts in LGBTQ senior care will explore The Cutting Edge of Elder Care: Global Approaches to Serve Elders in Our Own Community, during a new symposium. Eloy Van Hal, founder of “Dementia Village” in the Netherlands, will give the keynote address.

The Law Practice of Dennison Keller, LLC is organizing the event with the goal of bringing positive change and global perspectives to the Tristate. Keller, past President of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association (LCPLFA), has over 15 years of expertise as an elder law attorney.

Keller’s firm is Cincinnati’s only member of the LCPLFA, a national association of interdisciplinary law practices that offer care coordination, family education, and help with financial and health care decisions in addition to legal services. His fourteen-person staff includes two lawyers, two nurses, and four licensed social workers.

Van Hal is a superstar in the field of elder care. For more than 20 years, he managed nursing homes and elder care facilities. In 2009, He co-founded the “Dementia Village” known as Hogeweyk, just outside of Amsterdam. It was a completely new model of personalized dementia care, allowing residents to live in a neighborhood according to their lifestyle with the freedom to walk around instead of being locked in the wing of a stand-alone building. In 2015,

Van Hal took on the role of senior managing advisor to help implement communities like the“Dementia Village” around the world. His thought-provoking presentations inspire his audiences to think beyond the status quo, often leaving them astonished by what is possible.

Kind of a Pig Deal

Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon powered by P&G marks its 24th running this weekend with a band of very loyal participants leading the way.

Since 1999, the first year of the Pig, about 70 runners and walkers have completed every marathon and are planning on participating in this year’s event. They’re called “streakers” (for their running streak, not anything else) and are valued members of the Flying Pig family.

Two of the streakers, Harvey Lewis and Billie Jo Mendoza, talk about what attracted them to the Pig in the first place, and their advice for anyone wanting to be part of the Marathon:

What made you want to sign up for the very first Flying Pig Marathon?

Harvey Lewis

Harvey: It was the local hometown marathon in its inaugural year and I was excited to jump in. It was nice to just wake up at home and have a short distance to the start line.

Billie Jo Mendoza

Billie Jo: Team in Training, and also it was my first marathon.

How many years did you run the Pig before you decided you were going to do it every year?

Harvey: I’m not really sure. Certainly, by year 10, but I was probably hooked after the first.

Billie Jo: I’d say by the third year I knew it was going to be THE annual event on my calendar.

What is it about the Flying Pig that brings you back every year?

Harvey: I love the energy that goes into all the details. The race staff, volunteers and fans along the route make the race one of the best marathons in the world. The route is really beautiful in May. It’s a high energy event. The medals are a piece of art! 

Billie Jo: Not only my commitment to fundraising for LLS, but also that this the best organized and most fun weekend around.

For those who have never run a marathon before, what advice would you give to get people started? 

Harvey: Take it all in! Don’t think too much about time. Goal number one, and an outstanding achievement, is finishing. Hydrate consistently from the get go. Jump in a pace group! 

Billie Jo: I suggest joining a marathon training group through one of the many charities or local running stores. They will keep you on track with training, motivation and accountability.

Anything else you’d like to add that makes the Flying Pig so special to you?

Harvey: I love seeing all of the other runners each with a personal story and sharing in the Pig adventures. Seeing and hearing many of those stories inspires me into the summer and beyond. 

Billie Jo: The Flying Pig will always have my heart mainly because of the wonderful people that organize the event, the volunteers that make it happen and the support of this awesome city and its people.

The 24th annual Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon weekend powered by P&G is April 29–May 1, 2022. Registration is still open for some events at www.flyingpigmarathon.com.

Writing History

This year, Ajanae Dawkins, a writer, performer, and educator was named the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence at The Taft Museum of Art.

Meet the Artist

Workshop: Confessional Writing Saturday
April 23, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Women Writing for (a) Change, 6906 Plainfield Road

Join Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Ajanae Dawkins, and Women Writing for (a) Change for a workshop which explores authenticity in writing. Attendees will investigate who is usually the “villain” or person causing harm in their work. Participants will learn how their writing can act as a distorted mirror and how their work might have the capacity to hold them accountable to be more radically honest. This is a free event. Registration is required at womenwriting.org. New and experienced writers are welcome. Recommended for ages 15+. Materials will be provided, or attendees are welcome to bring their favorite writing materials.

Closing Reception, Duncanson Artist-in-Residence
Saturday, April 23, 7–9 p.m.
Artsville, 5021 Whetsel Ave.

Celebrate the closing of the 35th Duncanson Artist-in-Residence with writer and performance artist Ajanae Dawkins and other community leaders. The evening includes a lively night of spoken word and music. Cash bar available.

More information and tickets.

As part of her residency, Dawkins had led public programs, taught workshops, and visited schools across Greater Cincinnati. Her residency wraps up with a workshop and closing reception on Saturday.

Dawkins has performed, and has been featured, at venues across the country including opening for the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and for the Taft’s first Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, poet Nikki Giovanni. 

Her work has been published in the EcoTheo Review, The BreakBeat Poets Black Girl Magic Anthology, The Offing, Tinderbox Poetry Journal, Winter Tangerine, The Blueshift Journal, Voicemail Poems, The Underscore Review, Word Riot, Gramma Poetry, The Rumpus, and other anthologies and journals. Dawkins work has also been featured on For Harriet, Def Jam, and Button Poetry and in EBONY Magazine for the “Faces of Frustration: A Year of Racial Protest.”  

Currently, Dawkins is a fellow of The Watering Hole writer’s retreat for African American writers and of Pink Door Writing Retreat. She is also an editor for Voicemail Poems, the 2020 Nancy Craig Blackburn Fellow as an MFA candidate at Randolph College, an Alford Scholar as an M.Div. candidate at Methodist Theological School of Ohio, and has recently been selected as a co-host of the Poetry Foundation's The VS Podcast.

The Piggest Gift of All

Joel Barnhill not only works with the more than 300 charities that partner with the Flying Pig and Pig Works every year, he also organizes the Michelob Ultra Victory Party after the Flying Pig. Joel tells us how he first got involved with the Flying Pig, and ways that charities can still get involved in this year's Flying Pig Marathon weekend.

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Join the Piggest Raffle Ever!

Double Play

As one hometown favorite prepares to start their season, another is sliding into its 75th year.

Big Boy Slider

The Big Boy Slider is made with fresh beef patties, cheese, caramelized onions, Frisch’s Original Tartar Sauce, lettuce and pickle.

Frisch’s, which has been serving Big Boys, fish sandwiches, hot fudge cake, and other legendary dishes since 1947, continues its long-standing team-up with the Reds.

Frisch’s CEO Tony Vasconcellos talks about that big anniversary, Kids’ Opening Day, and plans for the summer.

But to celebrate the start of baseball season and Opening Day, Frisch’s unveiled the Big Boy Slider, the official slider of the Cincinnati Reds. The little sandwich with huge flavor will be available at the GABP (Look for it in Section 118) and Frisch's restaurants for a limited time.

Frisch’s is serving Rosie’s Red Hot Sliders, made with fresh beef patties, pepper jack cheese, Frisch’s Spicy Tartar Sauce, lettuce and pickle.

Like No Tomorrow

With lunchtime talks and after-hours shows, This Time Tomorrow promises non-stop performances. The annual festival at the Contemporary Arts Center returns, expanding its reach into the community, with premieres from some of the most inspiring performance artists and musicians in the world.

Find out more about TTT from the CAC’s director of performance, Drew Klein.

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See the full schedule and get tickets at www.contemporaryartscenter.org/this-time-tomorrow.

Bloom to Grow

It started with a truck.

A 1965 Ford Econoline truck to be exact.

Meagan Moore left TV news in 2018 to pursue a dream of bringing a little more joy and beauty to people. That idea blossomed into “Cincinnati's Original Flower Truck.”

“When I first started the flower truck I knew flowers had a special way of bringing people joy,” says Moore. “But that became even more evident throughout the pandemic.”

Along with the original truck, the business now includes a 1961 Ford Econoline truck and a storefront in Walnut Hills. As the demand grew for wedding and event flowers, the Daisy Jane team expanded to incude Sam Meece, a floral designer, and Erika Holt, Moore’s cousin, who operates that second flower truck.

“So many people come to the truck or flower bar to build a bouquet and it becomes a form of self care, which has been really beautiful to be a part of,” says Moore. “Studies show the positive impacts flowers and plants have on your mental health, from relieving stress and brightening your mood, to even helping boost creativity. It is so important to bring a piece of nature inside, especially if you work from home. Flowers really help people feel connected.”

Though we are enjoying some beautiful Spring days now, we also know a cold snap could be just around the corner. If your own garden isn’t in bloom just yet, Daisy Jane’s can help.

“We've been fortunate to work with incredible spring blooms we source from local flower farmers. You'll find native tulips, hellebore, anemones, ranunculus and poppies at Daisy Jane's Flower Bar,” says Moore.

“It is so important to bring a piece of nature inside, especially if you work
from home. ”

— Megan Moore

The flower trucks are popular destination at outdoor markets and craft shows, but the the trucks (or the mobile flower bar) are also available for private parties and events. For those who want to learn a bit more about planting and flower arranging, the shop offers classes.

“We are really passionate about what we do and love to share those fun skills with customers through our classes,” says Moore. Along with public classes, the shop has private classes on Sundays.

“You can get together with a group of friends and learn how to arrange flowers, make flower crowns, or make a wreath,” says Moore. “Everything we offer at the flower bar is hands on, so you can come in anytime and play with flowers and plants!”

Handle With Care

“We get a lot of questions about the flowers themselves when people stop in and oftentimes we are asked to help make the bouquets, which we are always happy to do,” Moore says.

• We like to educate our customers about the flowers in their bouquet, which ones they can hold onto that will dry really well and how best to care for their bouquet to get the longest life out of their blooms.

• We always encourage you to keep your water fresh. Change the water every day or every other day, and give the stems a fresh cut when you do.

• Keep your flowers out of the sun and away from drafts. We clean up your stems for you, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure there are no leaves in your water as that will cause bacteria to grow and contribute to your flowers dying quickly.

“We love to share fun facts about the blooms and plants in our shop so we love it when you come with questions!”

But if you can’t make it to City Flea and don’t have time to stop in the store, you can still enjoy gorgeous, fresh flowers any time. Daisy Jane’s delivers flowers seven days a week. All of the arrangements include a vase and are custom made, using the freshest seasonal blooms available the day your flowers are delivered.

Beyond flowers for birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, or just because, Daisy Jane’s also offer a subscription service, with monthly and bi-weekly deliveries available.

“It is so fun seeing people light up when we deliver bouquets!” Moore says. “It gives you a boost to know someone is thinking about you and that someone took the time out to brighten your day.”

Moore adds that people stop in the store to pick up plant babies as well. Along with the plants, they also offer advice, helping you find the right plant for the right space, sharing information about the best lighting and a proper watering schedule for your choice.

“Getting your hands on flowers and building your own bouquet, whether at our truck or at the flower bar is really therapeutic and gives you an opportunity to be creative!” says Moore.

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Daisy Jane’s Flower Truck, 772 E McMillan St., daisyjanesflowertruck.com