Urban Life Staff Picks

BEST WAY TO THWART CITY COUNCIL'S CONTINUING WAR ON THE HOMELESS: The Drop Inn Center Photo By Thomas E. Smith

BEST WAY TO THWART CITY COUNCIL'S CONTINUING WAR ON THE HOMELESS: The Drop Inn Center is doing what politicians don’t and won’t do: helping people deal with messy problems like drug addiction and homelessness. One of the best programs going is called Homeless Individuals Partnerships, HIP, a case management approach to help the chronically homeless. It utilizes a six-person Collaborative Case Planning Team to engage, assess and provide case planning and treatment for chronically homeless single men and women. Intensive services are designed to assist people access mainstream support services such as mental health and substance abuse and help them secure housing and income. Drop Inn Center, 217 W. 12th St., Over-the- Rhine, 513-721-0643.

THE BEST EFFORT TO ASSIST “UNDESIRABLES”: With programs called the Race and Justice Project, Human Rights in Prison Project and Second Chance Project, the staff and volunteers at Ohio Justice and Policy Center are doing what’s necessary to ensure the legal rights of former offenders. They’re also educating the next generation of up-start lawyers who will provide indigent defense and generally be a serious annoyance to a criminal injustice system that’s turned making a mistake into a life sentence as a social pariah. Info: 513-421-1108 or www.ohiojpc.org

BEST EFFORT TO ENSURE WORKER JUSTICE: Immigrants, day-laborers and others who are invisible to most people are the focus of the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center. Established in March 2005 “to help mobilize, educate and organize low wage and immigrant workers,” the center provides workers the opportunity to challenge the power relationships with their employers and improve their working terms and conditions. In addition to a bi-lingual Web site with text in English and Spanish (www.cworkers.org) the group is leading a Day Labor Organizing Project, a living wage campaign and offers “JustNews,” a comprehensive calendar listing of peace and justice issues. 40 E. McMicken Ave., Over-the- Rhine, 513-621 5991 or cworkers@cinci.rr.com.

BEST POLICE RAID SINCE PROHIBITION: Getting Rid of the Northside Taliban Gang: The November round up of the members of the Northside Taliban gang was the best thing that’s happened to Northside in a long time. For starters, crime is down. And, maybe more importantly, it was fun to watch it all go down.

BEST EFFORT TO HIGHLIGHT CINCINNATI’S DIVERSITY: The Cincinnati chapter National Association of Hispanic MBAs is one of the best, yet unknown, professional organizations in town. The public is invited to hear speeches by and interact with such top Hispanic professionals as Fernando Aguirre, Chairman and CEO of Chiquita Brands Inc. And you don’t have to be an Hispanic MBA holder to get involved. Info: 859-291-4302 or www.cincinnati.nshmba.org.

BEST HOUSING OPTION FOR ADDICTS AND OTHERS: The Over-the-Rhine Community Housing non-profit is creating the Jimmy Heath House, which will offer permanent, supportive housing that values and benefits low-income residents who need more than a roof over their heads. Named after the late photojournalist who was a community activist and was once a homeless alcoholic, the facility will address a host of problems that other lowincome housing facilities view as criteria for rejection. Info: 513-381-1171.

BEST WAY TO (LITERALLY) GROW A COMMUNITY: The Community Garden Program Photo by Thomas E. Smith

BEST EFFORT TO TAKE BACK THE HOOD: Ceasefire Cincinnati is a comprehensive gun violence reduction campaign piloted in Avondale and Walnut Hills to organize a “public response” to any shooting within 72 hours. This effort calls attention to the shooting and encourages nonviolence, relying on residents to actively voice support for a safer neighborhood. The program is operated out of the Community Policy Partnering Center. Monthly Ceasefire Cincinnati meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at Avondale Pride Center (3520 Burnet Ave.) and the first Monday of each month at Bush Recreation Center (2640 Kemper Ave., Walnut Hills). Info: 513-675- 4102 or www.ceasefirecincinnati.com and www.cpopcenter.org/ceasefire.html.

BEST PLACE TO BLOW THE STINK OFF: Doesn’t matter if you were just evicted, you’re temporarily living in your car or you have a place to live but can’t afford to buy a bar of soap — everyone is welcome at the Mary Magdalene House. In addition to offering a clean, safe place to shower, use the bathroom or brush your teeth, you can get a load of clothes washed free of charge (it takes 24 hour for turn-around), get some clean clothes to wear and the staff will let you use the phone — all free of charge. So are the care packages of toiletries given once a month to those who register. The only questions asked are your name and gender so that the mostly volunteer staff can get you what you need. 1221 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-721-4811.

BEST RECONSTITUTION OF “GOING GREEN”: Live Green Cincinnati is a collection of articles, links, tips, statistics, quotes, events and more that aim to inspire, inform and enable change and action to build momentum for the local green economy. “Being environmentally conscious is not only for the beautiful hip celebrities or crunchy organic granola crowds,” the organization’s Web site proclaims. “It’s for everyone. With simple actions and a little forethought, you can cut your energy bill, save some gas and contribute to leaving your neighborhood and our planet in good shape for your kids and their kids.” Check it out at www.LiveGreenCincinnati.com.

BEST WAY TO WORK UP AN APPETITE: It’s worth the trouble putting the bikes on the car rack and hoping they don’t fly off on the way up to the Loveland Bike Trail. That’s where you’ll find 70 miles of beautiful, paved trails following the Little Miami River along the path of the Little Miami Railroad from back in the 1930s. The actual name of the trail is Little Miami “Rails to Trails” Bike Trail, and it begins west of the bridge in Old Milford and ends in Springfield. Info: www.miamivalleytrails.org.

BEST BOOKWORM EVENTS: The Friends of the Public Library Photo by Thomas E. Smith

BEST BOOKWORM EVENTS: The Friends of the Public Library sell used books year round out of of their warehouse in Hartwell (during limited hours of operation) and via a booth at the Duck Creek Antique Mall in Madisonville, and they host sales at various branches throughout the year. But the big annual event occurs each Spring with the book sale at the main branch downtown, which includes used books, books-ontape and CD, DVDs, audio and video tapes and music CDs. The 2009 book sale is May 30-June 5. Warehouse sales: 8456 Vine St., Hartwell; Duck Creek Antique Mall: 3715 Madison Road, Madisonville; Main Public Library: 800 Vine St., Downtown. Info on all events: 513-369-6035.

BEST THROW-BACK EVENT: The Old Timers Festival in Sept. in Rabbit Hash is quaint, offering lots of good Americana music and food, art and antique machinery. Gotta love the old-time grain miller and the barbecue, pulled pork sandwiches and roasted corn. Enjoy it all with a great view of the river and hillbillies. Info: www.rabbithash.com.

BEST PLACE TO REVISIT CHRISTMAS ANYTIME: The story behind the Sleepy Hollow Inn in Loveland is that the owner so enjoyed having the Christmas decorations up he just decided not to take them down one year. They’ve been up ever since. There isn’t a Web site to visit to learn more, but there are lots of food reviews around, and the restaurant has won several awards for its ribs and hamburgers. 378 Bridge St., Loveland, 513-677-0290.

BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR: Total Body Fusion is the name, the YWCA Fitness Center downtown is the place and Pam Jacobson is the woman who will whip your butt into shape. Unfortunately, the class is “on hiatus” for the time being, but if you’re interested in the yoga/dance/a-little- bit-of-everything workout call 513-361-2116 and add your name to the list of fans. 898 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-361-2116.

BEST USE OF EXPLOSIVES FOR ENTERTAINMENT: Northside’s Rock-N-Roll 4th of July Festival always has great bands, strange circus acts, burlesque, good food and cheap beer. Like all good community events, volunteers are needed and appreciated. Info: 734-323-7343 or www.northsiderocks.com.

BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD: Bellevue’s business district on Fairfield Avenue offers everything for an urban family. With great dining establishments for parents “date night” and kid-friendly dining, the blocks are lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques and a friendly neighborhood bar.

BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR CITY VIEW: Fairview Park is a narrow urban park carved out of the side of a hill, with stone walls built by the Federal Works Projects Administration where you can sit and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Cincinnati skyline, Union Terminal and the Ohio River. The property was once a stone quarry and housed a lime kiln. There’s an old sealed wine cellar in the hill on the winding drive into the park. 501 W. McMillan St., Fairview/Clifton Heights, www.cincinnatioh.gov/parks.

BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR PUBLIC MURALS: The artist named Rankins (just one name) did the murals at both Ollie’s Trolley and Tina’s Carryout. Publico gallery commissioned him to recreate his murals for their recent Weston Art gallery show, Since You’ve Been Gone. The Ollie’s mural includes Mark Mallory, Robocop with a hamburger, food and people from the neighborhood, among other images. The side of Tina’s Carryout features images of T-shirts and a cell phone. Grab some lunch, hang out and take it all in — the food at both places is well worth the time. Ollie’s Trolley: 1601 W. Central Ave., West End, 513-381-6100. Tina’s Carryout: 1600 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-684-0200.

BEST USE OF PURPLE ON THE HORIZON: The Stratford at Kenwood Contributed Photo

BEST USE OF PURPLE ON THE HORIZON: Driven up the Kenwood hill on I-71 lately and noticed the purple high-rise taking shape on a ridge to the east? It’s The Stratford at Kenwood, a retirement community that ought to have some stunning views when it opens in early 2010. And no, it’s not just for Elder alumni. In fact, the purple wrap is insulation that soon will be covered with brick and stone, so enjoy the color while you can. 5559 Kenwood Road, Columbia Township/Maderia/ Madisonville, 513-561-9300.

BEST PARK TO PARK YOUR BUTT: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is owned by Harry Wilks, who also owns half of Hamilton and lives in the park in a subterranean house. The roof of his house is a glass pyramid, the only part that’s above ground, and is filled with artifacts from all over the world. The park houses sculptures and other artwork on 265 acres overlooking the Great Miami River and is open to the public year round. Hours are different for summer and winter. 1763 Ohio Rt. 128, Hamilton, 513-887-9514.

BEST SKATEBOARD ART: Local artist/tattooist Robyn Holian Roth has been working on a series of pieces painted on skateboards that are so beautiful and intriguing you’ll rather frame them than put your feet on ’em. Check out her gorgeous, anatomically-themed work at www.nomadical.net.

BEST “MY PENIS IS BIGGER THAN YOURS” MONUMENT: So the Great American Insurance Building intends to be the biggest in downtown building Cincinnati. Said the Carew Tower, “Hey, it’s cold out there sometimes!”

BEST URBAN ART CENTER: The Artisan’s Enterprise Center proves that Covington does more than give lip service to embracing the arts as part of a comprehensive plan for urban renewal. The city put up the money and made space for artists in their community, offering gallery space for local artists, classes to help artists run a business and a place for residents and visitors to learn more about the Covington Arts District. 25 W. Seventh St., Covington, 859-292-2322 or www.covingtonarts.com.

BEST EXAMPLE OF AN EMPLOYEE SHOWING BUSINESS HOW TO BEHAVE: Danielle Kremer Wilson bartends at Teak Thai on Sunday nights, and every week she takes the restaurant’s recyclables home for proper disposal. She hated seeing so many of the beer bottles, wine bottles and cardboard boxes go into a landfill, so now the Teak staff collects everything for her during the week and she loads up her little car every Sunday night and takes them home. Note: Her neighbors think she has a drinking problem now. 1051 St. Gregory St., Mount Adams, 513-665-9800.

BEST PLACE TO FLAP YOUR GUMS: Day of Dialogue is an ambitious program headed up by Kristen Barker of the Intercommunity Justice an d Peace Center (IJPC) and designed to get people talking instead of complaining. Last year’s series “Issues 2008: What’s at Stake” featured key issues facing Cincinnati and the entire country. Hundreds of people discussed healthcare, community and economic development, the roles of the public and private sector in education for the common good, immigration and our jobs, fair elections and keeping America safe while safeguarding America’s values. Info about the 2009 series: 513-579-8547 or www.ijpc-cincinnati.org.

BEST EVENT FOR THE CHILI OBSESSED: The Findlay Market Annual Chili Cook-Off hosted anyone with a homemade chili recipe in January to see how it stood up to local competition and seriously obsessed chili enthusiasts. The judges —firefighters from the Cincinnati Fire Department Engine Co. 5 in Over-the-Rhine — declared three winners: Chili Meister (first place), Chili Monarch (second place) and Chili Master (third place). This year’s winners share their recipes online at www.findlaymarket.org/recipes/chili_recipes_08.htm. Info: 513-665-4839.

BEST WALK/RUN TRAIL AROUND A POND: Southgate Community Center and Park is less crowded than most of the area’s big parks, and the exercise trail includes a fitness center, baseball field, patio, amphitheater, playground and picnic shelter. Not that far from downtown Cincinnati, the facilities can be rented for larger gatherings. 301 W. Walnut St, Southgate, 859-781-8878 or 859-743-1951.

BEST-PLOWED HIGHWAY: The Norwood Lateral might not always get you where you want to go, but it’s one of the best places to drive when the white stuff falls. Winton Road and Colerain Avenue near Mt. Airy Forest are also good bets. The next best thing is staying home until the crazies are off the roads and/or the temps warm up enough for the rock salt to do the hard work.

BEST BUILDING AWAITING REDISCOVERY: 1313 Vine St. in Over-the-Rhine is currently vacant but owned by 3CDC, a wonderful building some might remember as The Warehouse dance club in the day. This place has a second floor turn-of-the century ballroom that was renovated in the early ’90s for the movie A Rage in Harlem.

BEST USE OF SOMETHING DEAD: Built in 1912, the Emery Theater was used as an auditorium for the Ohio Military Institute, a trade school, and was home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for decades. Its final duty was hosting the American Theatre Organ Society’s silent and sound films from 1978 until 1999, when it was shuttered. Last November CityBeat helped reopen the Emery for the 2008 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards and breathed life into the historic venue, if only for one night. But what a night it was! 1112 Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine, www.cea.citybeat.com.