AUGUST 2020
CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH
MEET OUR COVER DOG:
GONZO THE GREAT
NIGHT AND DAY: THE DIFFERENCE IS BRAIN BALANCE
A HOME MAKEOVER = A WEDDING
HOW TO VIRTUALLY ENHANCE YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION
YO U R B E ST B U D D I E S WA N T TO M A K E S U R E YOU’ VE GOT A PL AN IN PLACE FOR THEM. T H EY M I G H T EVE N H AVE A F EW I D E A S O F T H E I R OWN . For many, pets are part of the family. It’s never too soon to set up an estate plan that protects your pet if something happens to you. Aside from choosing their guardian, you can also designate funds that will only be used for their care.
At Wolterman Law Office, we make the process of setting up an estate plan easy and comfortable. Don’t let your pet end up in a shelter. Call us today for a free consultation.
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER
Emily Barlow | emily.barlow@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Stephanie Meinberg | stephanie.meinberg@lifestylepubs.com
Kiddos and Kindhearted K9s I THINK I’M GOING TO STRIVE TO BE MORE LIKE GONZO—COURAGEOUS,
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Mandy Geyman AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe
HELPFUL, STRONG, A TRUE INSPIRATION TO ALL. If you find it strange that I
LAYOUT DESIGNER
want to be more like our cover dog … well, you wouldn’t feel that way if you met him.
Dana Rudolph
This is the second year that we’ve run our Cover Dog contest for our August kids and pets issue—and Gonzo blew us out of the water (ironically, he’s usually diving into the water) with his unique and lengthy list of skills. It seems like everything he does, he does well. From winning doc diving championships to taking first prize at Nose Work challenges (scent work), he walks away triumphant almost every time. Perhaps his best and most heroic skill is being a service dog to his owner, Joe—alerting
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Henry Allen, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Bill Furbee, Natalie Shawver, Stephanie Meinberg CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt Capps of Loveland Premium Portraits, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Three Little Ferns
Joe when he is about to have a seizure. The love and respect Joe has for his best buddy are evident from the first time you see these two together. It’s a beautiful bond. I hope you enjoy reading more about Gonzo in Best Friend Extraordinaire. As I mentioned, this is our kids and pets issue—of course, we have some great stories for and about kiddos, too. In An Act of Balance, you’ll read how a mother’s struggles with her son led her to seek treatment for him at Brain Balance.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
Not only was the program successful for her son, she also found a new career
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
path for herself. You’ll see another example of a mother’s love in our Open House
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
feature, Designed to Dazzle. After redesigning her home with Nicole Russell from
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
Lauren Alexandra Interiors, Caren Laverty decided to host a wedding reception
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams
for her son and daughter-in-law—an event that had been previously canceled due
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
to COVID-19. And, if you’re a parent reading this and are interested in enhancing your child’s education (especially since the past school year in the actual classroom ended early), we weighed in with some experts on how their programs can help kids excel—and how they’ve adapted to bring these programs to the virtual world. From fur babies to well, just babies, we’ve got an issue full of inspiring stories for you. We hope you enjoy! ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
Emily Barlow, Publisher ON THE COVER We love a dog in uniform.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT CAPPS OF LOVELAND PREMIUM PORTRAITS 4
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH
Proverbs 3:5-6 Loveland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Loveland areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Loveland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020
FEATURES 14 Tailwaggin’ Treats This Pet Supply Shop Has the Winning Recipe—Both In-Store and At Home
16 Online and On Track How Virtual Learning Is Ensuring Students Make the Grade
20 An Act of Balance Brain Balance Turns Potential into Reality
24 Designed to Dazzle Lauren Alexandra Interiors’
24 14
Updates to This Montgomery Home Are Wedding-Worthy
20
DEPARTMENTS
16
4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
12
Around Town
14
Culinary Creations
16
Local Limelight
20 Inspired By 24 Open House 30 Financial Buzz 32 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report 34 Parting Thoughts
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GOOD TIMES
Sale on the Trail Loveland is known for its charming shops and unique boutiques—many of which came together June 20th for the first-ever Sale on the Trail. Booths, tables and tents lined the Little Miami Scenic Trail in the heart of historic downtown, making it easy for browsers and buyers to veer from the bike path to shop jewelry, clothes, home goods and more.
The perfect reason to spend more time outdoors. Pete and Jennifer R. added this new porch to their Loveland home and are loving it! It features a fireplace, ceiling fan, overhead lighting and even outdoor heaters for those brisk fall and spring evenings. A grilling area is stationed just off the porch and next to the kitchen for everyone’s convenience.
Our Design/Build approach combines your dreams with our expertise to provide you with a one-of-a-kind result. We take the project from conception to completion, often with results that most never dreamed of. “Better than I ever imagined” is the best compliment we hear from our clients. Call us for a consultation. Showroom location: 308 South Riverside, Loveland, Ohio 45140 | 513.683.7222 | PerennialProfessionalServices.com 8
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
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GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
Best in Show Our 2nd annual Cover Dog contest paid perfect homage to our four-legged family members. From rescue pups to service dogs to canine champs, each doggo had one thing in common—all are well-loved. With so many furry faces to choose from, we wanted to thank everyone for their stories and submissions—and give an extra “belly rub” to our official runners-up.
4.
5.
6.
1. Duke | 2. Ginger | 3. Misha | 4. Reggie | 5. Sadie | 6. Sampson
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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
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AROUND TOWN
EVERYTHING IN EARSHOT “Every child has the right to reach their fullest potential.” For more than 20 years, Ohio Valley Voices has been making a difference for children with hearing loss and their families, a feature we shared with you in February. In the spring, schools everywhere were forced to take their curriculum online—and OVV was no exception. Children learn to speak from ages 0–3, so taking time off from the classroom was not an option. Under the direction of Executive Director Maria Sentelik, OVV went 100% virtual. “We were determined to do something,” she shares. “Without giving children the opportunity to listen and talk through the devices, we would be taking away a very significant point of time.” Although the learning conditions weren’t
ALL PRESSURE, NO DIRT
perfect, Maria and her team made the best of
When we think of a “clean house,” it’s easy to
the situation. “Our staff came out of this stronger,
forget about the outside. Fortunately, Osborne Pro
better and smarter.” Moving forward, OVV plans
Wash has the services you need—they’re experi-
to utilize a mix of online and in-person courses.
enced professionals who specialize in soft-wash-
No matter the circumstances, OVV will always be
ing dirt and grime “from the gutters to the ground
striving to provide a brighter future for their stu-
and everything in between.” Owner Kyle Osborne
dents. OhioValleyVoices.org
has been remodeling homes for 14 years, but now focuses solely on soft-washing and pressure washing. This revamp puts all the pressure on dirt and grime, and takes it away from Kyle—allowing for more quality time with his family and better service for yours. OsborneProWash.com
YOUR DREAM DESIGN In their own words, “We’re more than just a landscaping company.” In fact, Finer Lawn & Landscaping has been customizing and remodeling outdoor living spaces for area homes and businesses for over two decades—patios, walkways, outdoor fireplaces and more. Recently, owner Donnie Powell upped his commitment for turning dream spaces into reality—partner-
GEAR AND MORE FOR DAYS
ing with a board-certified landscape architect designer who can sketch your outdoor living
Old Man Winter will be here before you know
space during any initial consultation. One meet-
it—for Vertical Drop, it’s the most wonderful time
ing, your ideas, and a full-color drawing of the
of the year. They’re busy reworking their merchan-
completed plan—it all adds up to taking the
dise and preparing to equip you with everything
guesswork out of the equation. FinerLawn.com
you need for the colder months. Drop in for ski and snowboard gear and talk shop with Loveland’s winter sports experts. Looking for deals on summer supplies now? Vertical Drop is stocked for all
12
kinds of adventure. Grab apparel, equipment and
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would
more—their end-of-the-season summer sale starts
love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.
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com/LovelandOH using the Get In Touch link and
while supplies last! VerticalDropOutdoors.com
let us know what you think.
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
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CULINARY CREATIONS THIS PET SUPPLY SHOP HAS THE WINNING RECIPE—BOTH IN-STORE AND AT HOME
ARTICLE STEPHANIE MEINBERG
tailwaggin’ treat s AGAIN. At EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point, you’ll find no shortage of doggie delights, from natural chews and antlers to busy-bones and more. Yep, you heard right—natural. This nutrition center and wellness spa takes your pets’ health seriously—as trained nutrition specialists, you can trust their selection of goods and gear. But it hasn’t all gone to the dogs,
Photo: Three Little Ferns
EVERY GOOD DOG DESERVES A TREAT NOW AND
just ask their in-store mascot, Gary—the shop is packed with everything you need for your favorite feline, too. Want special something for your pup? EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point carries the Dessert Fairy dog cookies and are big fans of Brewhaus Bakery Dog Bones. If you’re more DIY, they love this easy summer snack you can make at home. If my own doggo’s reaction is any indication, they’re a hit (and won’t last long).
FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER
BANANA TREATS INGREDIENTS + 2 bananas (ripe) + 1 cup plain Greek yogurt + ½ cup smooth peanut butter (should not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute toxic to dogs)
+ Optional: dog biscuits, small
DIRECTIONS Place first three ingredients in a blender (or food processor). Blend or blitz till smooth; batter will be thick. Spoon into silicone candy mold, ice cube tray, mini-muffin tin or small popsicle mold (if using, place a dog biscuit in each for the “handle”). Freeze till solid, approximately 3 hours. Remove from mold; store in freezer in an airtight container. HarpersPoint.EarthWisePet.com 11328 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati | 513.469.7387 14
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
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CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH
15
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
HOW VIRTUAL LEARNING IS ENSURING STUDENTS MAKE THE GRADE
O N L I N E A N D O N T R AC K ARTICLE BILL FURBEE
M I C H A E L D I S A LVO, A + T U T O R I N G / T E S T P R E PA R AT I O N
AND SOME OF THE SPECIALIZED SERVICES YOU
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU TAKE PARTICULAR PRIDE IN
English,” but I’ve been able to help students with the tools to
HELPING EDUCATE LOCAL STUDENTS?
get high scores regardless of the material—probably because
I take pride in helping a wide variety of students. With my
of my degree in psychology, and my knowledge and experi-
high-achieving students, we use advanced strategies in
ence with personal growth.
PROVIDE, ARE THEY DIFFICULT TO FIND ELSEWHERE? Normally, an ACT tutor is “good in math” or “good in
memorization and speed reading to get scores to the top 1 percent—but with my students who have learning disabilities,
THE CHALLENGES OF THE FEW PAST MONTHS—HAVE
we use different modalities to streamline study skills and help
THEY IMPACTED HOW YOUR STAFF SERVES STUDENTS?
them anticipate their success before they make it real.
The coronavirus situation—and the mandates handed down in response to it—have been a challenge. Luckily, I had experi-
WHEN DO YOU ADVISE PARENTS TO BEGIN
ence prior to this in helping students online. I will always prefer
CONSIDERING TUTORING SERVICES LIKE YOURS?
the human interaction of traditional tutoring, but it’s clear that
When the child is ready for the challenge. Working at a
technology and trends are pushing people online. I’ve seen the
different tutoring center some time ago, I remember the
strength of online learning in its flexibility of place, overcoming
terrible experience of seeing students who didn’t want to
challenges in weather, schedules and even vacation plans.
be there—it was a waste of resources to pretend they were
16
going to improve when they weren’t willing to do homework
APlusTutoring-TestPrep.com
or even their classwork.
300 E. Business Way, Cincinnati | 513.939.9033
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
TA R A C H I A P E L L I , K U M O N M AT H A N D R E A D I N G C E N T E R O F L OV E L A N D WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY? The Kumon Method is a mastery program, built specifically to smooth over and fill in the learning gaps so many children face. When situations like the coronavirus hit, learning becomes a challenge. The service I provide lifts the children of our community, working as a bridge to school curriculums and ultimately providing the community we live in with highereducated residents. Children who overcome educational shortfalls will become successful adults. EXPLAIN HOW YOUR PROGRAM BENEFITS ANY STUDENT, REGARDLESS OF SCHOOL PERFORMANCE. Kumon works parallel to school curriculum and enhances learning, independence and confidence—because we don’t have timelines or requirements from the state, a child can advance depending on their need. AND HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED ATTENDANCE? We’ve chosen to keep both online and in-center learning available—but expanded hours of operation to keep our numbers in the center to 10 or less. We also offer a twice-weekly Zoom class where students are placed in a virtual breakout room to work one-on-one with an instructor. BUT YOU’VE DONE EVEN MORE TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN YOUR PROGRAM. We recognized that many families’ finances were impacted due to the virus—the franchise offered tuition assistance to existing families in need, so children could continue their learning without disruption. I feel lucky to have such a great support staff who adjusted quickly to the need for online learning, and assisted me with getting materials to students all over Loveland and beyond. Kumon.com/Loveland-Central 531 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland | 513.239.3000
THE SERVICE I PROVIDE LIFTS THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY, WORKING AS A BRIDGE TO SCHOOL CURRICULUMS AND ULTIMATELY PROVIDING THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN WITH HIGHEREDUCATED RESIDENTS.
CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH
17
Alamo Electronics is here to help. Since 1953
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9572 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati | (513) 791-2300 | alamoelectronics.com
18
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
CUSTOM WINDOW TRE ATMENTS | FURNITURE | LIGHTING | WALL COVERINGS | BEDDING | RUGS | ACCESSORIES
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I’m l ooking forward to meeting you.
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L AU R E N A L E X A N D R A I N T E R I O R S .CO M
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CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH
19
INSPIRED BY
an act of balance
BRAIN BALANCE TURNS POTENTIAL INTO REALITY
ARTICLE NATALIE SHAWVER | PHOTOGRAPHY MATT CAPPS OF LOVELAND PREMIUM PORTRAITS
20
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
ACHIEVEMENT: IT’S OFTEN DEFINED
Sherry Martz, current owner of Brain
AS A’S ON A REPORT CARD, A 4.0 GPA
Balance, saw this balance happen firsthand
OR WINNING THE COVETED TITLE OF
with her son, Dylan. From a young age, Dylan
CLASS PRESIDENT. It can be a mix of aca-
struggled with anxiety, depression and panic
demic and social prowess that students seek
attacks. After attending Brain Balance for
from their first day of kindergarten all the
three months, he started to understand his
way through graduation. But what happens
world better and his anxiety diminished.
when things are slightly off-balance and the
Brain Balance has been helping kids like
conventional education roadmap has your
Dylan since 2010 ... thanks to the impact on
child veering emotionally off course?
his life, Sherry knew she had to be a part of
Enter Brain Balance, a comprehensive,
this life-changing program, so she purchased
drug-free training program designed to help
the Loveland franchise location shortly after
kids improve focus, behavior, social skills,
he completed the program in 2017.
anxiety and academic performance. The
“The path his life was taking made
outside-the-box approach goes beyond
a complete turn in a healthy direction,”
traditional, mainstream tactics and helps
Sherry says. “I saw an amazing transforma-
children get to the root of their challenges—
tion in him. His anxiety was debilitating in
instead of masking them.
so many ways—including interacting with
The program begins with an assessment
his brothers and grandparents, trying new
that tests 940+ functions of the brain—the
experiences and eating new things. The
detailed results then help explain why a child
program enabled my son’s brain to bloom
could be struggling with ADHD, anxiety,
so he could be who he was meant to be.”
dyslexia, ODD, Tourette’s syndrome, autism
While Sherry can empathize with par-
or other neurological disorders. The results
ents who often blame themselves for their
reveal gaps that have occurred in brain
child’s struggles, she maintains it’s no one’s
development, as well as which hemisphere of
fault; however, the change they want to see
the brain (right or left?) is “behind” develop-
in their child requires a true team effort—it
mentally. If the hemispheres aren’t working
doesn’t happen automatically.
together, a child cannot function at his or her
“This isn’t a place to drop a child off and
age level. Once gaps in brain development
say, ‘fix my child,’” she says. Parents assist
are identified, the work needed to connect
daily with exercises at home, nutrition and
the two hemispheres together (and working
bringing their child to on-site sessions—par-
at the same age level) can begin—and that’s
ents’ involvement not only helps the child, it
where Brain Balance shines. Balancing
also changes the dynamics of the family.
the brain takes an average of five months.
“When a family member is struggling, it
Following this, each child is monitored for a
affects everyone in the family,” she says. “When
full year to ensure the work—the integration
that struggling family member gets help,
of that child’s brain—has stuck.
the family is then transformed. The time,
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH
21
INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)
effort and cost are more than worth it, because the program is life changing. This generation of kids has been hit hard by changes in our environment, societal fears and the effect technology has had on their
THE PROGRAM ENABLED MY SON’S BRAIN TO BLOOM SO HE COULD BE WHO HE WAS MEANT TO BE.”
brains. So parents turn to OT, PT, tutoring and behavior therapy—but none of that will work until you get into the infant brain and see how active it is in the child’s daily life.” This “infant brain” is where the root issues lie, Sherry explains. Brain Balance retrains the brain and creates neural connections that were never there previously—a “whole child approach.” The active infant brain hinders development and the ability to reach each level of developmental milestones. Beyond academics, behavior, social interactions or emotions, Brain Balance focuses on the development of both the child and their brain from the time they were born. By connecting the brain and the body to the appropriate age level, a child is enabled to function—learning, interacting with friends or regulating emotions is no longer cumbersome or off course. Most important, it’s all accomplished without medication. “Medication is a Band-Aid—it enables the child to function day-to-day … but Brain Balance goes beyond what any medication or therapy can do,” Sherry says. This holistic approach is ideal for children ages 4–17, as well as young adults 18–24. An adult program will be available soon. “Watching the connections begin to form
Dylan before Brain Balance.
as a child comes through the program is my favorite aspect of Brain Balance,” Sherry says. “A child will come in and won’t connect with us with their eyes or verbal communication. As they attend sessions, they begin to understand their world better; we’ll see eye contact and hear them start to talk a little— by the end he or she is a chatterbox. That’s what makes us smile. Another child’s brain has bloomed—and the connections are there for a better life.”
BrainBalanceCenters.com/Locations/Cincinnati 12084 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati | 513.707.0125
22
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
Dylan today with a computer he built.
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OPEN HOUSE
Designed to Dazzle LAUREN ALEXANDRA INTERIORS’ UPDATES TO THIS MONTGOMERY HOME ARE WEDDING-WORTHY
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ELIZABETH A. LOWRY
WHEN CAREN LAVERTY TOOK ME ON A TOUR OF HER MONTGOMERY HOME, REMODELED BY NICOLE RUSSELL OF LAUREN ALEXANDRA INTERIORS, I WAS REMINDED A LITTLE BIT OF MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE VATICAN MUSEUMS. No, her house wasn’t filled with bodiless busts and centuries-old tapestries depicting Medieval maps. Rather, I felt that way because there was just so much to look at. Nearly everywhere Caren pointed featured the touch of Nicole’s keen designer’s eye. From embroidered wallpaper and a hairhide sofa to a custom dining room table and original artwork on the walls, the house’s new features simply beg to be seen. And while Caren and her husband, Bill, don’t have any plans to open their house to the public any time soon, they do have a major event in the works that will enable guests to view the fruits of all their hard work: their son’s wedding. That’s right, like almost every event set to take place over the past few months, the family’s initial nuptial plans had to be altered due to the coronavirus and subsequent quarantine. In this case, the Lavertys swapped a big wedding at North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort for a more intimate ceremony and reception—at their house.
24
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
Nicole added fabric-paper backed wallpaper to the Lavertys’ office walls.
Bill, Caren, Heather and Joseph
DISTINGUISHED DESIGN
The house also features fabric on the window treat-
Even though the duo has been working on house
ments by Stout and Cowtan & Tout; artwork from
updates off and on for nearly three years, in many ways it
Madeira artist Karen Rolfes and Gallery Veronique; fur-
seems as though Caren and Nicole had been unknowingly
niture by Jonathan Charles and Hancock & Moore; and
working toward this occasion the entire time.
paint from Sherwin Williams.
They first met on the tennis courts at the Club at
Another fun twist to the design relationship is that
Harper’s Point. Drawn to her personality and individual
Caren’s daughter, Charlene, works at New York City tex-
style, Caren initially asked Nicole to help her update the
tile company Pollack & Associates—and was able to help
drapes in her living room. Eventually that project led to
with the designs as well as obtain some of the textiles that
making changes in the dining room, then the family room,
Caren and Nicole used throughout.
the kitchen, the powder room, the foyer and the office. “She’s such a warm person, smiles easily, is quick to laugh and has style in everything she does,” Caren
“It’s been a collaborative effort with Caren, her daughter and me,” Nicole says. “Charlene and I work in the same industry, and together, we’ve come up with some great designs.”
says. “Not surprisingly, I found her very easy to work with. She took the time to find out my style and helped me coordinate what I like so everything flows throughout my house.
COMMITMENT BY THE KOI POND Although Nicole and Caren have a few more design details to work through (reupholstering furniture, repaint-
”One of the major ways in which Caren’s house was
ing) before her son Joseph’s backyard wedding this month,
updated was the addition of wallpaper to many of the
Caren is happy that this work-in-progress happened to
first-floor rooms. Wallpaper is on-trend again, according
come together at just the right time.
to Nicole. And, to that end, they added a lot of unique,
“[Even though] they ended up having a very small
beautiful wall coverings to the house, including a floral
ceremony, we wanted to make sure the families and their
and avian pattern by Schumacher in the powder room.
friends were able to celebrate with them … so we offered
An off-white, embroidered paper was added to the foyer
to have a backyard reception,” Caren explains. “They’ll
and upstairs hall, golden-brown silk wallpaper now
have a small ceremony—even though they’re already mar-
graces the dining room, and a fabric-backed wallpaper
ried—so everyone can hear their vows to each other. We
enriches the office, all by Cowtan & Tout.
feel incredibly blessed.”
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH
25
OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED) The dining room features silk wallpaper and window treatment fabric by Cowtan & Tout and furniture by Jonathan Charles.
Nicole helped Caren pick out window treatments, as well as paint colors in her formal living room.
The powder room’s wallpaper is by Schumacher.
The Lavertys also have a nicely landscaped backyard and pool area (thanks to Caren’s love of gardening) ... Joseph and his bride, Heather, will say their vows right next to the koi-filled pond that he and his friend dug when they were in high school. “It’s such a reflection of our son—the perfect place for him to celebrate his wedding, and Heather was happy about it as well!” Caren says.
To p 5 Ho use R emo d el Tren d s Many of us are tackling home remodeling projects while spending more time than usual indoors. According to Nicole, keep these 2020 design trends in mind as you redecorate. 01 Wallpaper 02 Natural and organic pieces 03 Pops of color 04 Metals, particularly brass 05 Floral prints LaurenAlexandraInteriors.com | 513.582.2495 26
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
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FINANCIAL BUZZ
to college and beyond FAMILY WEALTH ADVISORY GROUP ADVOCATES CONVERSATION AROUND COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS
ARTICLE ELIZABETH A. LOWRY
top tips for using college savings wisely
MANY PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS
CONSIDER YOUR “WHY.” You decided to save up for your child’s
WANT TO MAKE SURE THEIR CHILDREN
college, but did you ask yourself what you expect in return? “Rather
AND
MORE
than focusing on how to save, you should focus more on why you’re
OPPORTUNITIES THAN THEY HAD GROW-
saving,” Ben says. “What do you hope the outcome to be from this
ING UP—A BIG PART OF THAT INVOLVES
gigantic financial commitment? Do you want them to have the
SOME LEVEL OF POST-SECONDARY EDU-
opportunity to go to parties and hang out or should they get a
CATION AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.
degree with some teeth?”
GRANDCHILDREN
HAVE
While attending a four-year college or university is often thought of as the next natural
EXPLAIN ANY RESTRICTIONS. What you expect and what your
step after high school, the term actually refers
child expects will likely differ—that’s why you need to have a con-
to a lot of other options—including community
versation early on about any and all limitations you choose to put on
or online colleges, apprenticeships, military or
the money. Depending on the type of career he or she chooses—for
specialized training.
example, getting a teaching degree versus a medical one—your
One way in which relatives can contribute to
allotment for that child may differ from that of a sibling’s. “Make sure
a child’s future is to utilize a 529 college savings
both parties gain a mutual understanding of the student’s plans and
plan or another savings account that is gifted
your restrictions ahead of time.”
upon graduation. Easy, right? But before making the decision to gift money,
DISCUSS THE SAVINGS IMPACT. If you decide you want to give
Ben Linser at Family Wealth Advisory Group
your daughter $5K a year, you should also explain to her how to make
suggests first ensuring your investment is worth
that money go furthest. “If she commutes and decides to go to UC,
it by factoring in a few things to get an appropri-
that $20K has a way bigger impact than if she decides to go out of
ate return on any career-prep investment.
state or to an Ivy League school,” Ben explains. KNOW YOUR VALUES. “If grandma and grandpa are big-time military people, then maybe they’ll give a child extra money for retirement or a Roth IRA—but they want to encourage the military first. They’re
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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
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AUGUST
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1
8
22
LIVE MUSIC ON THE ROOF
RRT’S LITTLE MIAMI RIVER CLEANUP
POLO, JDRF & BIG HAT CONTEST
Little Miami State Scenic River
You read about the Cincinnati Polo
music in the summer sun, you’re in
Soak up the sunshine and help keep
Club in last month’s issue, right?
luck. Grab your friends and head up to
our river clean! Join Roads Rivers
Now’s your chance to catch a match,
the Bishop’s Quarter rooftop for some
and Trails in another cleanup to sup-
don a stylish chapeau and support a
cold drinks and hot riffs from local
port the Little Miami Conservancy.
worthy cause—the Juvenile Diabetes
blues rockers, boys r back. Music from
Enjoy a five-mile kayak ride down the
Research Foundation. It’s outdoor
7–10 p.m. BishopsQuarterBar.com
river—simply collecting and cleaning
fun for the whole fam—spectators
up trash as you go. Then get treated
park six feet apart all along the 300-
1
to a brew-tastic after-party. Advance
yard sideline. Bring your tailgate
tickets required (fully donated to
faves and enjoy these riders and their
SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP ANNUAL CAR SHOW
LMC!), all supplies provided. 10–4 p.m.
ponies’ performance! 2 p.m. $20/car.
RoadsRiversAndTrails.com/Events/
CincinnatiPoloClub.com/Schedule.html
Bishop’s Quarter
If you’ve been itching for some live
Robert L. Schuler Sports Complex
Start your engines! It’s the 10th annual
Sycamore
Township
Car
Show. Cruise down to Blue Ash and register your vehicle ($15) between
8 MAKE A HIKING STICK
Cincinnati Nature Center
9 a.m. and noon. Then get ready to
Getting back to nature—an outdoor
strut your stuff—the show runs from
activity many of us have been doing
noon–3 p.m. Free to spectators,
a lot more of this summer. If hiking is
plus live music, food and drinks
your thing, join us at Rowe Woods to
on-site! Best in Show and other
craft a custom trekking pole. You’ll
class winners awarded at 3:30 p.m.
choose, cut, smooth and embellish
SycamoreTownship.org
your own honeysuckle branch—and
Would you like to get in touch with
be fully equipped to hit the trails.
us? We would love to hear from you!
Masks and preregistration required.
Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/
Stick kits: members $7, nonmembers
LovelandOH using the Get In Touch
$14. 10–11:30 a.m. CincyNature.org
link and let us know what you think.
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10355 Dallasburg Rd.
Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
513 939-9033 Zoom & In Person
REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT
LOVELAND
NEIGHBORHOOD
ORIGINAL PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/ORIG
DOM
BDRMS
BATHS
Stonebridge Farms
460,000
460,000
100%
147
3
3.1
Fairways at O'bannon Creek
465,000
465,000
100%
0
4
4.1
Symmes Creek
469,900
469,900
100%
1
5
3
Loveland Trace
475,000
465,000
98%
11
4
4.1
White Pillars
479,900
479,900
100%
7
4
3.1
Cedar Drive
494,900
477,900
97%
262
4
2.1
Oasis
525,000
503,000
96%
134
4
4.1
Walkers Run
525,500
534,000
102%
2
4
3
The Woods at Miami Trails
540,000
529,000
98%
23
4
4.1
White Pillars
599,977
530,000
88%
44
4
4.1
Eagles Pointe at the Oasis
669,900
657,000
98%
2
4
5
Eagles Pointe at the Oasis
689,900
660,000
96%
60
5
4.1
Willows Bend
779,900
755,000
97%
100
4
3.1
Oasis
949,000
915,000
96%
89
5
5.1
Lakewood Farms
970,000
1,060,000
109%
49
3
3
This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 2020. Source: Cincinnati MLS system. DOM = Days on Market.
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PARTING THOUGHTS
GONZO:
ARTICLE HENRY ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY MATT CAPPS OF LOVELAND PREMIUM PORTRAITS
BEST FRIEND EXTRAORDINAIRE OUR WINNING PUP WILL STEAL YOUR HEART— AND SAVE THE DAY
SERVICE STAR
IN SEARCHING FOR THIS YEAR’S “TOP DOG,” GONZO CERTAINLY MADE A SPLASH. This seven-yearold poodle is good at everything he does. He’s an award-winning dock diver, competes at an elite level of scent detection, and last year placed 18th for fastest poodle in the country. “I’ve had police come up to me at the competitions and mention that they might need to look into poodles,” Joe laughs. Gonzo is also a medical alert dog. He’s trained to alert his owner, Joe Wahler, when he’s about to have a seizure. Joe keeps Gonzo by his side everywhere he goes—this doggo has always been the perfect companion. “He’s just ready for anything at any time,” Joe shares. “He’s so happy to make me happy.” Recently, Gonzo was diagnosed with cancer. He’s already undergone a major surgery, 26 radiation treatments and almost four months of chemotherapy— but this hasn’t changed his winning attitude. In fact, Joe finds that Gonzo tends to be more himself on chemo days. “He’s even excited to go to the vet!” These two save each other, every single day. No matter the challenge, Gonzo will overcome.
Special thanks to our contest sponsors, PetCare Animal Hospital, Dale Robertson Jewelry, and EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point.
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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020
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