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MAY/JUNE 2020
Congratulations
2020 seniors! transparency and integrity
A Holistic Financial Picture from Rik Saylor PAGE 12
An Exclusive Magazine for Fairfield & Fairfield Township Residents & Businesses
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Fairfield transparency local flavors: VICTORY BELL and integrity tano bistro Fairfield Victory Bell.........................................................................................................................................................06 Fairfield Five: Small Businesses After Covid-19..............................................................................................................08 Congratulations 2020 Seniors..........................................................................................................................................10 Transparency and Integrity: A Holistic Financial Picture from Rik Saylor.........................................................................12 Inspiring Acts...................................................................................................................................................................15 Wake Nation....................................................................................................................................................................16 Local Flavors: Tano Bistro................................................................................................................................................20
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JANUARY 2020
Fairfield
By Reid Maus
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hen you hear it ring, it’s a good night to be an Indian. The Victory Bell is a new tradition of
Fairfield athletics, but it’s one that will soon be deeply rooted throughout the athletic department. The idea sprouted just a couple hours after first-year athletic director Aaron Blankenship took over the job. “Damon Bullock came to me about 12 hours after
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I took the AD job and said I’ve got this bell in my backyard. I think it could be something cool,” said Blankenship. “At that point, I was like sure.” 12 hours after taking the job, surely there are other things on the plate than starting a new tradition. But the idea lingered. “I wasn’t thinking much about it, but once the dust settled I was able to think a little more,” he said. “Damon and his son Wade restored the bell, painted it and made it what it is today. They’re the ones who made it, and based on that we formed the tradition.” Blankenship didn’t want it to be used for just one sport. He wanted the bell to ring for every Fairfield athletic team-- and it has. “I wanted it to be something that we can use in every sport,” he said. “We’ve taken it to the bowling alley. We’ve carried it to Walden Ponds for the golf matches. It’s traveled with us more than just the home games that people would think.” Blankenship will be the first to tell you that lugging that bell around from venue to venue isn’t easy. He even jokes that he might have gained a few muscles from lugging it around. All that moving of the bell has helped the community take the new custom in stride. “Moving the bell around as made the Bell a million times more popular than if we just had it at one venue or one sport.” The Bell rang through Alumni Stadium for the first time this past year when the Indians took care of business against Centerville on the gridiron. The person who rang it was someone held very special to the Fairfield football program. Monica Moore, the mother of the late Mason Blanchard who was a Fairfield student who died from a rare form of cancer recently, was the first to chime the bell. When the bell rang the tradition officially started. Now, you hear the clangs of metal every time Fairfield wins at home.
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Superstition comes with the territory in sports, and this bell is no different. In a perfect world, the bell only rings after a home victory. By the nature of bells though, they tend to ring as you move them. Which Blankenship realized when the athletic department hauled it around from venue to venue. “I’m the most superstitious about it,” said Blankenship. “The bell is on wheels so obviously when you pull too hard, it rings a little bit. I’m known to be a little superstitious by removing the bell completely, just in case… I’m not superstitious, but I’m a little-stitious.” That being said, the bell used to sit in the athletic department and anytime that the department had good news they would ring the bell. Which goes somewhat against the edict of only ringing after wins. “That’s the life of athletic directors. We do what we want, we make our own rules,” he said jokingly. They moved the Bell from the office to either Alumni Stadium or the basketball arena, depending on the season, where it anxiously awaits its next ring.
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1. DONUT SPOT
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5148 Pleasant Avenue • Fairfield, OH 45014 (513) 863-7033 Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially during a quarantine, and nobody knows that better than The Donut Spot. Known for their delicious cheesecake donut, The Donut Spot has been a staple stop on the Butler County Donut Trail for years. Even during the quarantine, this bakery was supporting the community by donating delicious donuts to local hospitals to show appreciation. Start your morning off right with some delectable local donuts!
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2. LISA’S KITCHEN
6601 Dixie Highway • Fairfield, OH 45014 (513) 682-5902 After 27 years of working in the food industry, Lisa Hall was left with a choice when the restaurant at which she worked closed in 2013. A few months later, she reopened the establishment under a new name, Lisa’s Kitchen. Serving up delicious breakfast and lunch favorites, this locally owned small business has continued to help the community overcome their quarantine blues, one double decker at a time. If you don’t know what that is, then it’s time to head over to Lisa’s Kitchen and find out.
3. FAIRFIELD COFFEE
311 Nilles Road • Fairfield, OH 45014 (513) 889-1542 When the coronavirus hit and the state shut down, most small businesses were faced with impossible circumstances. Fairfield Coffee was forced to cut their hours of operation down by half, among many other hardships. While maintaining their drive-thru window, they were able to remain open, but now it’s time to help. Give back to the community and enjoy delicious coffee all at the same time.
4. HAMMANN’S CATERING BUTCHER SHOP & DELI
6180 Winton Road • Fairfield, OH 45014 (513) 858-3237 This family owned butcher shop has been operating since 1991, offering a wide range of meats, from steaks to sausages, bacon to brisket, and even a high-quality deli. When local businesses were forced to close, owner John Hamman responded by providing call ahead ordering to the community, and maintaining his commitment to his patrons. As
the cold weather becomes a thing of the past and grills come out of hibernation, call Hammann’s.
5. SWINE CITY BREWERY
4614 Industry Drive • Fairfield, OH 45014 (513) 201-7070 After being stuck in the house for weeks, most are probably ready for a nice cold one in the sun and a tall dose of social interaction. Swine City Brewery can give you both. Opened in early 2018, this Fairfield hot spot boasts 2 acres of land for entertaining, complete with indoor and outdoor seating. They specialize as a brewery and taproom so feel free to bring your takeout and enjoy one of their notable homebrewed beers.
History ... repeats ... itself. Are you prepared and positioned to take advantage of a possible once in a lifetime opportunity ... we are.
1987 & 1989
2000 & 2004
2008 & 2010
If you don’t know how these dates (past crashes to recovery) impacted investments ... CALL US. We are Rik Saylor Financial and we’ve been striving help make and keep people wealthy for over 35 years. Please call us for free second opinion or visit our website RikSaylorFinancial.com and experience the difference, you’ll be glad you did! Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Rik Saylor Financial. Rik Saylor Financial is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC.
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A Holistic Financial Picture from Rik Saylor By Laura Leavitt
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any of us, in Fairfield and beyond, struggle to connect all the dots of our financial lives. We want to be able to understand our current financial situation, the risks and opportunities in our near future, and achieve our long-term goals and potential. It’s a lot to take in at once. Rik Saylor created Rik Saylor Financial partially in response to this need he saw for people to really understand the whole picture. He compares it to a situation he noticed back in the 1980s, when he was running his own construction company. “When I was in the construction field, I saw that subcontractors would come in, and the concrete guys would do their job, and they may not be as worried if the foundation was off a little. Then we, as carpenters had to square up the foundation,” explains Saylor. “l saw this dysfunction between separate skilled trades, and I observed the same thing happening in financial services.” Saylor identified a place in the market for a network where Wealth Management Advisors, Insurance professionals, Certified Public Accountants, and Estate-planning attorneys to offer a more integrated service to their clients. By teaming up to share clients, they could collaborate with each other and help their clients navigate the often-complicated world of financial wellness. “We hold our partners/providers to very high standards, and we provide clients a service satisfaction survey, because we want to know that they got the value they needed,” says Saylor. Saylor has been working as a financial advisor in Southwest Ohio for more than 35 years, as a fiduciary, which means that their recommendations are made in the best interest of the client. If you see my business card, you can see right through it,” says Saylor. “My motto is “Transparent Wealth Management.” People should know what they’re buying, why they’re buying it, and what it’s going to do for them.” Saylor works with a tried and true process, focusing on getting to know his clients in order to customize his recommendations. This means understanding their tolerance for risk, financial goals, and the legacy they want to leave for their families. From there, he can help craft a financial plan, their personal Financial
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GPS. “The “voice” you hear when a client may get off course and correction is needed is mine,” says Saylor. While Saylor believes that face-to-face meetings are a great asset if you are local to Fairfield or his other two locations, Rik Saylor Financial makes it easy to via remote dashboard or a traditional client who comes in for regularly scheduled face-to-face meetings. He thinks a great fit with your financial advisor is of utmost importance. “l think that you have to like and trust each other,” says Saylor. “Once that is established, clients experience the three C’s: competent recommendations, competitive value, and convenient locations, whether that’s through our remote dashboard, phone calls or face-to-face meetings. Too many people think that they can’t afford us, but the truth is, it’s far more important what we pay them... when the market goes up and when it goes down.” The market downturn created by the uncertainty around COVID-19 has certainly made many people nervous about their savings and investments. The uncertainty shouldn’t drive rash actions, however. “The number one point is to have a plan. Two, revisit the plan and modify it as needed. And number three, stick to the plan,” says Saylor. “People’s fears will drive them. So having a plan can help take the emotions out of it. Don’t look at your statements for a while, if that’s what you need to do. It’s not going to help you make logical decisions.” Saylor is a student of history and a voracious reader, always trying to learn from the past to offer sound financial advice. He also names The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz as an influential book, guiding the ethics and behaviors by which he lives his life and runs his business. “It’s about living in the present moment,” says Saylor. “The four agreements are, not to take anything personally, being impeccable with your word, always doing your best, and not making assumptions.” If you want to get to meet the Rik Saylor Financial Team, and possibly create your personal Financial GPS or a free second look at your current plan, visit riksaylorfinancial.com or call 513-829-8888. Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Rik Saylor Financial. Rik Saylor Financial is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC .
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For More than 60 Years, our customers have counted on the associates at Wilks Insurance to listen carefully and become a true business partner they can rely on. Hamilton 513.868.9000 West Chester/Mason 513.755.8500 WilksInsurance.com | Business • Home • Auto • Life • Health
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MARCH 2020
By Laura Leavitt
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Acts
In the past few weeks, many people have chosen to make the best of a tough situation. Visible essential workers like grocery store staff and hospital nurses have put on brave faces even at a time when going out and getting the job done can feel scary. Here in the Fairfield area, there have been other incredible acts of service that we may or may not have heard about. For example, teams that do the cleaning and maintenance at hospitals and other workplaces have been working extra-hard with additional protocols that step up their alreadyrigorous jobs. A reader of Fairfield Focus called for a thank you to the cleaning and sanitizing team at Mercy Hospital in particular, since she knew her own sister had been working hard there to keep our locals safe. Businesses have also stepped up in many ways, from businesses like U.S. Bank who have been sending meals to front line businesses, to
restaurants who have gotten creative to offer contactless delivery and affordable family-style options to their customers. For those who have the means, continuing to shop local businesses and restaurants is a good way to help Fairfield weather the difficult economic impacts of the public health crisis. Neighbors are also making a strong effort to show solidarity. Butler County Visitor’s Bureau’s “See Hearts, See Hope” campaign puts pictures of hearts all over towns in our county so that people can see them and feel connected. People have been writing encouraging messages in sidewalk chalk for those who are out for a walk to see. Being distanced hasn’t stopped people from communicating and checking in with their neighbors in safe ways. Visit the Fairfield Focus Facebook page to share your own stories of everyday kindness and bravery during this difficult season.
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By Reid Maus
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or decades local residents had to take to the Great Miami River or other local waterways to get their wakeboarding fix-- for a decade now, that is no longer the case. Wake Nation has been giving locals and tourists the opportunity to hone their wakeboarding and kneeboarding skills on their state of the art wake cable park nestled away inside Joyce Park. It is the only cable wake park in the tri-state area and is one of two in the great state of Ohio. You might be wondering what a cable wake park is, and you’d be justified in that thought since it’s not every day you hear those words associated with each other. A cable wake park is simply a way of simulating being pulled by a motorboat on the water by instead being pulled by a cable attached to towers, that take you on a fixed course. Wake Nation’s personal lake includes a six tower system that can carry six riders across a 10-acre lake. Scattered across the lake are several features including ramps and rails. In the center of the lake is an island that helps rid the water of rough wakes. Aside from the main attraction, Wake Nation has a second pond for beginners. The practice pond is an easier and smaller, two-tower cable system that helps newcomers acquaint themselves with wakeboarding and kneeboarding.
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Aside from the cables, visitors can enjoy themselves at the Aqua Water Park. Floating on top of the water is a series of inflatable slides, trampolines, jungle gyms and balance beams. If you don’t want to take part in the fun you can sit on the beautiful deck and take in the action. The park closes every year during the offseason but typically opens up around Memorial Day. As mentioned, there are several ways to enjoy Wake Nation, whether it be on their cable park or at the Aqua Park. A two-hour pass for $32, a four-hour pass for $37, and an all-day pass for $42. Children under the age of 15 get a discount, and kneeboarding is cheaper than wakeboarding. On top of the pass, you can rent equipment, for various prices. If you don’t want the fun to stop after one day you can do a week pass for $99, a month pass for $199, or a season pass for $699 (youth season passes are $399). For those wanting a little more you can get a VIP Season pass for $1599. For those looking to make a splash Wake Nation offers lessons with award winning instructors.You can get the one on one teaching that will make you a pro in no time. Wake Nation offers opportunities for those looking to have a birthday party or corporate retreat. As well as camps and contests throughout the year. You can find more information on Wake Nation located in Joyce Park at wakenation.com.
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Color & Win a bicycle! Mail your completed coloring by June 30, 2020 to Middletown Visitors Bureau - 1500 Central Avenue, Middletown, OH 45044 Color & Win a bicycle! Mail your completed coloring by June 30, 2020 to Middletown Visitors Bureau - 1500 Central Avenue, Middletown, OH 45044
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Wishing everyone health & safety as life resumes and business opens!
* All events are subject to change, but we are hoping to see you at some great events come end of 2020.
For 12more information, please visit www.fairfieldtwp.org
Gaetano Williams brings casual-upscale dining to Hamilton at Tano Bistro By Laura Leavitt Some chefs may order from only a few large vendors, but Gaetano Williams has made it his mission to get to know the food he wants to serve and its quality at the source. This extends to literally visiting the farms, walking through the meat processing sites, and sourcing unconventional items if they taste better than the norm. The result is the unique flavors and foods of Tano Bistro, which opened its second location in Hamilton in 2019. “Our commitment to quality is our hallmark, and we really try to live out that commitment,” says Williams, chef and owner at Tano Bistro. Williams and his wife Gina first started Tano Bistro in Loveland, OH. He brings over 40 years of background as a chef to the work he does, and opening a second location in Hamilton has expanded the ability to share
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their unique restaurant concept. With each season, different vegetables, fruits, grains, and meats are more plentiful and fresh in the market, so Tano Bistro changes the menu to take advantage of whatever is the most flavorful and ripe at the time. “I’d say we change at least 30 to 35% of the menu seasonally, if not more,” explains Williams. “We also run specials frequently.” Tano Bistro is located among other restaurants and shops below the Marcum Apartments. It is well-situated for foot traffic from Marcum Park, the Courtyard Marriott, and the RiversEdge Amphitheater. While Williams considers the Spooky Nook development an exciting part of Hamilton’s near future, he chose Hamilton for this second location because of the wider movement of growth here.
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“It was certainly part of it, but it wasn’t the end-all,” says Williams. “One of the reasons why we came up here is because this city has a vision. Everybody is on the same page: the city government, the charitable foundations, and City Council. Spooky Nook is a big piece, but there’s more to it when you talk about the revitalization of Hamilton.” In addition to the carefully-selected dinner entrees, Tano Bistro offers a variety of lunch options and the weekends bring an exciting mix of brunch dishes. You’ll just have to try the biscuits and gravy, which are made with sausage that is prepared in-house as well as goetta, a Cincinnati favorite. Other unique items include the water buffalo burger, which Williams discovered as a cut above other burger blends by having a blind taste-test with his fellow chefs. “Water buffalo is highly-nutritional, grass-fed product, and it has a great neutral taste, like a regular burger,” says Williams. “It was so delicious that I was hook-lineand-sinker sold.” Williams points out that they strive to offer the
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kind of service and food you’d get in a fine dining establishment, but in an approachable atmosphere. He credits their early success in the Hamilton location to their opportunity to deepen the expertise of their management team. “Finding good people is the biggest hurdle, but we’ve gotten our prayers answered with some great people,” says Williams. “Our management team was able to spend so much time in Loveland while this building was being built. We brought them in early; they were able to really develop what we do and how we do it and why we do it. That was a major part: the management was so comfortable when we opened that it went a long way.” He also sees a real exchange of gratitude between the guests of Tano Bistro and his whole staff. “The feedback is overwhelmingly positive,” says Williams. “One of the happy surprises has been that I get the genuine feeling of ‘thank you for being here,’ a very heart-felt thank you from our guests.” Learn more about Tano Bistro at their website, https://foodbytano.com/tano-bistro-hamilton.
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Extra magazines are located at Fairfield Community Art Center & Fairield Township Admin Building.