🛒 Fresh food finally

Good morning, Clermont County. After sixteen years as a food desert, Avondale is finally celebrating the bloom of fresh opportunity with Country Meat Co. Marketplace. This 12,000-square-foot oasis doesn't just offer groceries—it's bringing 40 jobs, African American-owned brands, and convenient prepared meals to a community that's been waiting far too long for nutritional access. The multi-million dollar venture represents just the first seed in what owners Tennel and Chanel Bryant hope will grow into a network of small-format stores serving underserved neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati continues its evolution as both a cinematic canvas and affordable housing battleground. While casting directors seek diverse talent for films like "Mace" and the intriguingly titled "Maul Santa," developers are making their third attempt to secure crucial tax credits for a $20 million Uptown housing project. The contrasting narratives highlight our region's persistent challenges and creative opportunities—with both stories ultimately centered on creating space for people to thrive.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Loveland

28°

46°

Milford

28°

46°

88%

Batavia

28°

46°

62%

New Richmond

27°

47°

88%

Bethel

28°

46°

67%

Williamsburg

28°

46°

62%

Owensville

28°

46°

Felicity

28°

46°

67%

Moscow

27°

47°

88%

Neville

28°

46°

67%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏗️ Cincinnati's affordable housing project faces uphill battle for tax credits. Developers are making a third attempt to secure Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) funding for a $20 million, 57-unit project in Uptown Cincinnati. The "Vine & Polk" development has twice been rejected due to scoring issues and technical requirements, highlighting frustrations among local developers. Data suggests OHFA disproportionately favors Columbus-area projects, with Franklin County receiving funding for 23 projects compared to just 6 in Hamilton County during the 2024 fiscal year. Without tax credit approval, this crucial affordable housing initiative cannot proceed in an area where thousands of households struggle with housing costs.

🛒 Avondale's food desert finally blooms with new grocery store. Country Meat Co. Marketplace has opened a 12,000-square-foot store in the neighborhood that lacked fresh food access for 16 years. Owners Tennel and Chanel Bryant offer prepared meals, a deli, African American-owned brands, and a commercial kitchen serving busy customers. The multi-million dollar project employs 40 people and represents the first of several planned small-format grocery stores for underserved communities.

🎬 Cincinnati becomes casting hotspot for diverse film projects. Multiple short films and features are actively seeking actors in the Cincinnati area, paying between $18-125 per hour for various roles. Projects include "Mace," "Cannoli," "Maul Santa," and several others looking for leads and supporting characters across different age ranges and gender identities. Some productions are casting nationwide or in nearby cities like Lexington and Indianapolis. For aspiring actors, these opportunities represent a chance to break into the industry without relocating to traditional entertainment hubs.

Bargain Fixer Court Approval Needed: This probate estate sale at $195,000 needs court approval and some TLC. The fixer-upper won't qualify for FHA or VA loans and comes strictly as-is.

Luxury townhome premium features ready: This beautiful 3-story townhome with attached garage in move-in ready condition offers 1,951 sq ft of luxury living for $319,165, featuring a modern kitchen with quartz countertops, upgraded gray cabinets, and the elegant Craftsman package on a private tree-lined lot.

Poolside Convenience Recently Updated: Priced at $149,900, this Hopper Hill condo offers a pool, clubhouse, and pond in a convenient location with recent updates including new kitchen appliances, carpet, and bathroom vanities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎲 Mar. 6 - Board Game Night: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics' Thursday Board Game night on March 6! Bring your own games or try something from their library, with special demos planned for this evening's gaming fun.

🎵 Mar. 7 - Anita and the Daves: Catch the melodious Anita and the Daves at The Miamiville Trailyard on March 7! Enjoy delicious eats and craft beer in this charming open-air restaurant right on the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail.

🎲 Mar. 8 - Saturday Board Game Meetup: Roll the dice at Time Warp Cards and Comics every Saturday! Join fellow gamers at 4601 Eastgate Blvd for our weekly board game meetup—bring your own games or try something from our library. New friends await!

🏍️ Mar. 8 - Rescheduled Members Meeting: Join us for the rescheduled Monthly Members Meeting at 7 Hills Harley-Davidson on March 8th at 1pm. Pizza's on us! Catch up with fellow members at our new location on Cincinnati-Batavia Pike.

🎨 Mar. 9 - Walk-In Ceramic Painting: Get creative at Walk-In Ceramic Painting this Saturday! Stop by anytime between noon and 4pm at 600 Kilgore Ave in Batavia. Your $10 entry fee applies toward your ceramic piece of choice.

🙏 In Remembrance

Leroy Buzzard

Leroy Buzzard, 62, passed away on February 26, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born on September 1, 1962, in Beckley, West Virginia, his family has not yet scheduled a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when plans are made. Well-wishers can share memories on the "Tribute Wall" on the funeral home website. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Buzzard family.

Alfreda J. Brookins

Alfeda J. Brookins, age 89, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Fairfield, Ohio, after being born in Lynch, Kentucky on December 6, 1935. A visitation will be held at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Glendale on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, immediately followed by the funeral service. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor her memory and share in each other's company. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Brookins family during this difficult time.

Dale Lee Kiefer

Dale Lee Kiefer, a 93-year-old Cincinnati resident, passed away on February 23, 2025 in Florida. A University of Cincinnati graduate with a PhD in Economics, Dale was a respected professor who taught Income Taxation and chaired the accounting department, receiving the Dolly Cohen Award for Excellence in University Teaching. He led the UC Income Tax Conference for 50 years, making it the longest-running tax conference in the U.S. Dale, an avid sports enthusiast who played semi-professional baseball in his youth, is survived by his wife Blanche, two children, three stepchildren, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Ida M. McDaniel

Ida Mae McDaniel of Amelia, Ohio passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in Kentucky in 1933, Ida worked as a secretary at Mariemont Elementary School where she was highly respected by staff and students. Throughout her life, Ida prioritized her faith and family, using caregiving skills she developed as the oldest of six children to become a devoted wife, nurturing mother to her sons, and loving grandmother. Preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Bob, Ida is survived by her two sons, two grandsons, and several siblings, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness and strong relationships.

Gene H Lowery

Gene Lowery, 85, of Waverly, Ohio, passed away on March 2, 2025, after nearly 60 years of marriage to Ramona Jean Osborne Lowery. He was a devoted father to six surviving children and one deceased daughter, as well as a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to 18 grandchildren and one deceased grandchild. Born in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1939, Gene is survived by his sister Gerry, while seven siblings preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held on March 8, 2025, at Mt. Tabor Community Christian Church, with burial at Huntington Township Cemetery.

Egypt Marie Stephens

Egypt Marie Stephens, a 3-month and 6-day-old infant from Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on February 27, 2025. Born on November 21, 2024, Egypt's gathering of family and friends will be held on March 10, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed immediately by a memorial service. The Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Stephens family during this difficult time. Well-wishers can share memories or leave messages on the online "Tribute Wall" or send flowers in Egypt's memory.

Robert L. Davis Jr.

Robert L. Davis Jr., aged 68, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on February 13, 2025, having been born on December 5, 1956. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on March 13, 2025, at the Walker Event Center, followed immediately by the funeral service. Friends and family will gather to honor his memory and find comfort together. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements for the Davis family during this difficult time.

Jessie Marie McDaniel

Jessie Marie McDaniel, 59, of Covington, Kentucky, passed away on February 22, 2025, in Ft Mitchell, Kentucky. Born on August 3, 1965, in Dayton, Kentucky, no immediate funeral or memorial service has been planned, though the family will notify loved ones when one is scheduled. Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the McDaniel family during this time. Well-wishers can share memories on the online "Tribute Wall" or send flowers through the funeral home's floral store.

Marshall Moore Jr.

Marshall Moore Jr., 77, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025. Born on October 13, 1947, in Montgomery, Alabama, Moore's family has not yet planned a funeral or memorial service but will notify loved ones when arrangements are made. Those wishing to share memories or messages with the Moore family can do so through the online "Tribute Wall." Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements during this difficult time.

Rodney Lee Croley

Rodney Lee Croley (1939-2025), a Kentucky native, taught Government and History at Goshen Local Schools in Ohio for 29 years after graduating from Cumberland College. He was married to Joyce Sumpter for 55 years and was known for his passion for outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and canoeing. After retirement, Rodney pursued photography, particularly of trees and wildflowers, winning several awards in the Cumberland Falls Photography competition. Remembered for his humor, card tricks, and music appreciation, Rodney passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind his wife, extended family, and many friends and former students.

Maurice Dontate Upshaw

Maurice Dontate Upshaw, age 45, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on February 27, 2025. Born on November 27, 1979, his visitation and funeral service will be held on March 11, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, followed by interment at Vine Street Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share memories and honor his legacy during the services. Walker Funeral Home is supporting the Upshaw family during this time, with options available to send tributes or flowers in his memory.

Edward Kennedy Sr.

Edward Kennedy Sr., age 59, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. Born on February 15, 1966, in Cincinnati, Edward's family will gather to honor his memory on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home in Mt. Healthy, with visitation from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm followed by a memorial service. Well-wishers may share memories on the online "Tribute Wall," and Walker Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the Kennedy family during this difficult time.

Arthur Lee Franklin

Arthur Lee Franklin, age 78, passed away on February 23, 2025, in Cincinnati. He was the beloved husband of Brenda Franklin (Gunnels) and devoted father of Matrice Perry and Marisa Orombi. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Jerriel Baptist Church in Cincinnati, followed by a traditional service at 11:00 AM. Mr. Franklin will be laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery at 2:00 PM the same day.

Anita Louise Schmid

Anita Louise Schmid, 80, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on March 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on September 14, 1944, Anita was known for her exceptional cooking, love of travel, appreciation for sports, and fondness for nature. Affectionately called "Mrs. C," she was a nurturing mother to her three sons—Cary, Tony, and Marc Williams—and grandmother to Alaina and Jenna Williams. A funeral service will be held on March 6, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, celebrating the life of this remarkable woman whose kindness, intelligence, and beautiful smile touched everyone she met.

Cather Lee Sturdivant

Cather Lee Sturdivant, 98, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on February 24, 2025, after being born in Andulusia, Alabama in 1927. A visitation will be held on March 8, 2025, from 12:00-12:30 pm at the Church of Christ in Cincinnati, immediately followed by the funeral service. Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Springdale, Ohio, with Walker Funeral Home and Crematory handling arrangements. Friends and family are invited to share memories on the online Tribute Wall to honor Cather's legacy.