4 MORE: Betsy Ross

We checked in with Betsy Ross, who received the Silver Circle award from the Ohio Valley chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences this year.

The original story is here and her video interview is below.

What’s been the biggest surprise to you in 2022?

I think the biggest surprise this year is the bounceback, if you will, from COVID. We always suspected that people were eager to get back together and have events, but this year confirmed that we are, indeed, social people and our natural tendency is to be with our friends and family. It’s been just pure joy to all get back together again.

What’s changed since we last spoke?

I think the big change this year is that we have all learned to adapt to a changing work climate.

Business are still having the debate over in-office versus remote work (and that probably will continue in 2023) but commercial real estate already is making the assumption that there will be less demand for office space and more demand for “elevated” living spaces.

What have you learned about our community this year?

I have been reminded of something that we all inherently knew: Nothing brings this community together like sports. The feel-good story of the Bengals made believers of all of us, and brought us together into one big happy family. I said when we were at the Super Bowl that I wish we didn’t have to play the game, because we all were so happy about the team and I didn’t want the “feel good” story to end. And despite the loss, the story really hasn’t ended.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?

There is so much to look forward to in the new year. The new Jeff Ruby restaurant on Foundation Square should breathe new life and excitement into downtown. New events will put Cincinnati on the national map.

And, of course, we get to see how the Bengals do in the playoffs! 

4 MORE: Sherri Friedman

As part of our year-end issue, we are revisiting some of our favorite Cincinnati People from 2022.

We checked in with Sherri Friedman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Most Valuable Kids of Greater Cincinnati.

Her original interview is linked below.

What’s been the biggest surprise to you in 2022?  

How appreciative our donors and partners are to be back in person experiencing live events!  

What’s changed since we last spoke?  

We continue to understand the importance of being creative to meet the needs of the 80+ child-focused non-profit partners we serve.  We recognize that many things have changed for them internally due to Covid. This includes staffing issues and increased issues related to mental health.

Based on feedback, we have worked to provide opportunities above-and-beyond our normal mission of tickets and added experience kits to facilitate important conversations and brought in speakers for the adult educators, to name a few.

What have you learned about our community this year?  

That, as divided as we are about many issues, we can all agree that kids living in poverty deserve to be given opportunities that uplift and inspire them to dream for more.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023?  

A National Championship for Michigan and a Super Bowl win for the Bengals :).  

And, the continued rebuilding of our organization and our partner organizations to pre-Covid numbers in staff, opportunities and financial donations.

Jingle All the Way

If You Go

Holiday Pops
Music Hall
1241 Elm St.

Friday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. and 7: 30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 and 7: 30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 and 7 p.m.

Free live stream premieres Saturday, Dec. 10
at 7:30 p.m.

Click for tickets and information.

A man in red suit really makes the holidays special. We aren’t talking about Santa, we’re talking about John Morris Russell!

As the conductor of the Cincinnati Pop Orchestra, Russell brings the magic and music of the season to life with the annual Holiday Pops extravaganza. This year, the Pops welcomes The Annie Moses Band, along with singer Bernard Holcomb, the Winton Woods High School Varsity Ensemble, the School for the Creative and Performing Arts Chorale, the Sycamore High School Select Ensemble, and The Studio for Dance.

What's your favorite holiday tune?*

IMPOSSIBLE! Perhaps it's best to say, “Whatever holiday song I’m singing / whistling / conducting at the moment,” but there are a few standouts: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”—in both versions, the original (and darker) version from “Meet me in St. Louis”—as well as the more popular version with lyrics tweaked by Frank Sinatra.

Also, Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” The line, “there’s a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy, when they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie” really resonates with our family traditions.

And, you gotta include Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song” and “Silent Night” (It always gets me choked up)!

What song always gets you ready for a holiday party?

“Winter Wonderland” for sure—there are SO many versions out there; my fave is an outrageous rockabilly version I found at a truck stop CD rack. Also “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway—it just makes you feel good.

How do you keep the Holiday Pops show fun each year?

I design Holiday Pops the way we all celebrate the holidays—with that special blend of tradition and reimagining familiar favorites.

We always have a chorus (or two) as well as special soloists and ensembles and, of course, Cincinnati’s award-winning Studio for Dance, but the repertoire cuts a wide swath of musical styles—jazz, bluegrass, rock, gospel, soul, and, of course, the grand orchestrations at the heart of the Pops experience. As Mel Torme said, it’s for “kids from one to ninety-two.” 

Have you survived Whamageddon?*

I’m saving that one for the “Midnight Show” next season!

Sinatra or Crosby?

Tough call—Though Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” with Bing is just about as iconic as it gets, Frank’s “Jingle Bells” takes that old ditty to a whole new level!

*Even though that may be a bit like choosing your favorite child!

* The objective is to go as long as possible without hearing WHAM's Christmas classic; "Last Christmas.”

Safe at Home

Baseball is back! Well, at least RedsFest is!

The largest team fan festival throughout the MLB returns after a two-year break.

If you’ve been before, you know what you’re in for – meet & greets with more than 70 current and former players, Reds memorabilia, interactive games, and a special kids zone.

All proceeds from Redsfest benefit Reds Community Fund and its outreach programs.

If You Go

Redsfest
Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm St.

Friday, Dec 2., 3–10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Adults: $35 for 2-day pass, $25 for one day. Children (12 and younger): $20 for 2-days pass, $15 for one day.

Details about Redsfest!

MEMBERS OF ZAC BROWN BAND SET TO APPEAR AT REDSFEST

Zac Brown Band members John Driskell Hopkins, Jimmy De Martini, Danny De Los Reyes and Matt Mangano will appear on the Redsfest Main Stage on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. for a Q&A session and special live performance.

The Zac Brown Band will perform a post-game concert on Friday, June 2, 2023, at GABP benefiting the Hop On A Cure Foundation, which was founded by Hopkins after he was diagnosed with ALS and supports research toward a cure for ALS while raising awareness and hope for those battling the disease.

Branching Out

ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square, presented by Macy's

Fountain Square
Friday, Nov. 25
6–9 p.m.

ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square, presented by Macy's is sure to dazzle! Join us Friday, November 25th to kick off the holiday season at our annual tree lighting celebration!

Festivities begin at 6 p.m., with special guests Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis from Channel 5 and Freddy Mac and Nat from Q102. The evening will feature live music, special appearance by Santa Claus and a dazzling fireworks display.  

The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will be open for skating. Reservations may be made in advance at myfountainsquare.com/ice-rink. Walk ups will also be welcomed on-site! If reservations are full online we encourage you to visit our admissions tent at the event.

Making a Difference

This Summer, the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati awarded grants as part of its inaugural Reflect Cincy initiative. The seven grants, totaling $288,500, are aimed at funding new and emerging ideas to spark meaning and connection to Jewish life

Through these projects, the Foundation intends to positively move the needle on engaging Jews who feel disconnected from current Jewish institutions—specifically young adults without children, families with young children and interfaith families with children—and measure shifts in their sense of belonging.

Action Tank City Council Night Class and Toolkit will design and implement civic training night classes and a toolkit curated to the Jewish community with a focus on interfaith families. The goal is to increase civic engagement in the Jewish community and foster connections. Action Tank is a think tank that partners with artists to research and promote new public policy solutions at the local government level.

Birds of a Feather, led by entrepreneur Cindy Loon, will co-create circle gatherings for young adults that foster curiosity, human connection and self-expression through nature, mysticism, drumming, art and other modalities. The goal is for participants to develop a stronger sense of belonging to the Jewish community and greater self-worth.

Cincy Jewfolk will establish a media hub in Cincinnati that leverages a news platform with online micro-communities to increase connectivity and engagement among underrepresented segments in the Jewish community, especially families with young children, young adults and interfaith families. Cincy Jewfolk will build upon the successful Jewfolk model in Minneapolis and St. Paul through its first expansion site in Cincinnati.

Division of Adulting, led by Rockwern Academy, creates a Jewish space to help navigate the how-tos of grown-up life. Rockwern Academy serves 240 students from 12 months through sixth grade, their families, and the broader community.

elech, led by entrepreneurs Zak and Elliot Draznin, will build an urban and adjacent, independent, Queer-specific space for spirituality, vulnerability and identity exploration supporting Queer Jews and their families. The goal is to nurture a sense of belonging and deepen connections to Jewishness, Jewish identity or Queer Jewish identity.

Our Year of Firsts: Parenting Edition is a new parenting program bringing together interfaith couples in their first year of being parents— a partnership between a national leader in interfaith engagement, 18Doors, and Rabbi Meredith Kahan of Rockdale Temple. The goal is to provide low barrier settings for participants to build community, connections and confidence in participating in Jewish life and raising Jewish children.

Young Adult Ambassadorship, led by entrepreneur Kayla Soroka, will empower a cohort of young adult Jews to be confident and knowledgeable ambassadors to other young adults and explore the significance of Jewish life through monthly meetings, an immersive retreat, confidence building and data gathering about community needs.

“Reflect Cincy is a new way of thinking about philanthropy,” said Kim Newstadt, Director of Research and Learning at the Jewish Foundation. “The Creative Team—the leading force behind Reflect Cincy—is a collection of individuals who aren’t traditional members of the current Jewish donor population, and who have varying connections to their Jewishness. For most of these individuals, Reflect Cincy was their first grantmaking experience and for several, it was their first compelling encounter with a local Jewish institution in recent years.”

 “Reflect Cincy flips the model to give influence to those affected, allows voices to be heard without money attached and offers a confluence of fresh ideas. It’s a human-centered design approach that is based on research, and is consistent with the takeaways from Cincinnati 2030, our Jewish community’s long-term strategic plan convened by the Jewish Federation,” Newstadt said.

Think Outside the Box

Marianne W. Lewis

“I’ve been studying how leaders work through competing demands and tensions for about 25 years.”

Marianne Lewis is a dean and a professor of management at the Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati. Recently, she co-authored a book alongside another professor, Wendy Smith.

The book, Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems, aims to help people make “more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands.”

During the interview below, Lewis talks more about the book with local professional gamer, Stephen “Doorstop” Schmidt about how he can apply the lessons inside the book to his career.

More about Both/And Thinking.

Casting Your Ballot

League of Women Voters of Cincinnati

Learn about the LWV, find information about candidates and issues, and learn more about voting rights. issues and more.

Find out more at my.lwv.org/ohio//cincinnati-area/.

For information about voting in Kentucky, visit www.lwvky.org/2022-ky-general-election.

“In 2022 there have been multiple, historic attacks on the basic right to vote,” says Dr. Kimberly Hamlin. “It’s so important, it’s so vital that citizens exercise this right. This is the foundation of our Democracy.”

Hamlin believes in the power of your vote. The local professor and author sits on the National Board for The League of Women Voters and says the issue this year, especially, is voting rights.

“We’ve seen record numbers of attacks and rollbacks on rights and voting access.. to me, that’s why I’m so excited to empower voters and defend democracy,” says Hamlin."

““In Cincinnati, we also have several local issues.
I think now more than ever, this is the time to do it.””

— Dr. Kimberly Hamlin

The next election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

• The polls will be open in Ohio on Nov. 8, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Find your Hamilton Co. polling location.

• Early Voting continues at the Hamilton County Board of Elections, 4700 Smith Road, until Nov. 7.

• The polls will be open in Kentucky on Nov. 8, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find your KY polling location.

• Three days of Early Voting (no excuse needed, in-person) will be held Nov. 3 to 6. (Hours depend on your county.)

• Vote411.org provides customized ballots, candidate profiles, full ballot language information, and post-election results. Data is supplied by the League of Women Voters, candidates, and the Board of Elections.

Time to Shine

What better way to celebrate than during BLINK! Most Valuable Kids of Greater Cincinnati is holding a pre-parade experience from for 100 kids, followed by a cocktail party for VIPs committed to supporting their mission.

This pre-parade party is in line with their mission to make unique and memorable experiences accessible to everyone, especially to underserved kids in our community.

Sherri Jaffe Friedman, the co-founder and CEO of Most Valuable Kids of Greater Cincinnati talks about the BLINK event and providing tickets and experiences to deserving kids.

True Bee-lievers

Though the Queen Bee Half Marathon is sold-out, it’s always possible there will be last-minute cancellations. So if you’ve trained for the 13.1 mile race please reach out to the Queen Bee to check on availability!

You can still get in on the fun at the Kroger and P&G Bee-U-Tique Expo on Friday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. You will also find official Queen Bee ASICS Merchandise, vendors, and health and beauty experts to offer a bit of pampering before the event.

The race is Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 a.m. Packet and premium pickup for in-person participants will be at the expo.

Squared Away

The Hyde Park Square Art Show returns this Sunday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with fine artists from across the country exhibiting and selling works in a wide variety of mediums. 

Janet Smith, the event chair, shares details about the largest one-day art show in the city.

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