Hyde Park, OH April 2026

The Power of Investing

Wealth is rarely built overnight. I say rarely, because in the age of modern technology and viral sensations, it is possible. However, more often than not, it’s built through the acts of dedicating time, energy or resources toward something with the hope of a worthwhile return. While financial wealth is often our default when discussing investments, in practice it’s so much more. Whether it’s our community, relationships, finances or personal growth, the things we invest in shape our futures and the lives of those around us and can look very different from person to person.

We can invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools and organizations. Volunteering and mentoring are powerful ways to contribute to future generations. On a broader scale, participating in public surveys and staying informed about city planning are investments in the places we call home.

Financial investments help us build security and achieve long-term goals, while personal investments—spending quality time with loved ones or fostering deeper connections—bring immeasurable rewards to both ourselves and the people we care about, creating generational impact that reaches far beyond ourselves.

Investing can seem daunting when you’ve had to start over, but making consistent, intentional movements toward your goals is both empowering and educational. Teaching our children the power of investing from a young age sets them up for future successes and opportunities that they may not have access to otherwise.

While the ways we choose to invest may look different for everyone, the common thread is the hope of making a positive impact. This month’s issue explores various ways we can invest in our lives—whether by nurturing our community, planning for our financial future or prioritizing the relationships that matter most.

Every investment we make is an act of hope and commitment. As you read this issue, we hope you’ll feel inspired to invest in the people, places and dreams that matter most to you.

Here’s to a month full of growth, connection and meaningful returns.

Happy April!

DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER @HYDEPARKCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Deborah Mekenese

Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson

Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Michelle Numann

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristy Belley, Angela Broockerd, A.J. Lape, Amanda Stout, Jonathan Stout

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

6S Photography, Mark Lyons–Lyons Photography, Janie Jones, Flor Najera, Brad Smith/photosmith

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

TRANSFORM YOUR HOME: AUTOMATED LUTRON ROLLER SHADES

CONTROL LIGHT, SAVE ENERGY, LIVE SMARTER

Control natural light, enhance privacy, and boost energy efficiency –all at the touch of a button, voice command, or schedule.

• Effortless Control – Raise, lower, or tilt shades via app, voice (Alexa/Google/HomeKit compatible), remote, or smart schedules.

• Energy Savings – Automatically block heat in summer and retain warmth in winter; can cut cooling costs by up to 30% in hot climates.

• Whisper-Quiet Operation – Precision-engineered motors move shades smoothly and silently.

• Custom Style & Design – Wide range of fabrics, colors, textures – clean, modern look that eliminates visual clutter from old blinds.

Ready to Upgrade? Schedule your free consultation today and start enjoying smarter windows tomorrow! Don't Wait – Modernize Your Home Now! Contact us for a custom quote on Lutron motorized roller shades.

O ce Hours: Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pm (513) 759-4477 info@phantomsound.com

Fact: Hospital-based physical-therapy clinics often charge more for equivalent care.

Fact: You may end up being treated by someone who’s been out of school only six months—or by a physical therapy assistant (PTA.)

Fact: At FYZICAL Red Bank, you receive one-on-one care from experienced, licensed physical therapists who are personally invested in your recovery

Fact: You’ll get expert attention and better outcomes— without the hospital price tag.

At FYZICAL Red Bank, we design a treatment program uniquely for you-no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Whether you want to attend a Reds game, enjoy a family outing, or return to your favorite activity, our team is here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live fully again.

INDULGE IN SWEET ELEGANCE

If you’re looking to elevate your next event with unforgettable sweetness, look no further than Del Gardo’s Italian Dessert Catering. Renowned for their gourmet cannoli and tiramisu, each creation becomes a beautiful piece of art. Contact us today to treat your taste buds to gourmet flavors of Italy and make your next event truly special.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Local nonprofit Aviatra Accelerators was named Nonprofit Recipient of the NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast. 2: Scott Bernes, Gay Hammon, Linda Oldendick & Jenny Hoeting enjoy the Ohio River Paddlefest Launch Party. 3: Adventure Crew employees & Paddlefest organizers Shauna Steigerwald, Sam Glew & Miriam Wise. 4: Launch party attendees got a preview of Paddlefest’s music lineup with Jake Speed & The Freddies. 5: Volunteers Cyndi Springer & Jenny O'Donnell prepare for Paddlefest 2026, the nation’s largest paddling event scheduled for August 1. 6: Ted Karras & The Cincy Hat Foundation broke ground on the first Cincy Hat House in Madisonville. 7: The Cincy Hat House will provide safe, affordable, independent living for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities.

business monthly

Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance Foundation Welcomes New Executive Director

Carrie VanDerzee has been named Executive Director of the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance Foundation, succeeding Julie Wyte, who served as Executive Director for four years. VanDerzee will lead the staff and volunteers for the 48th annual car show and weekend of community events, June 13-14. Enjoy 200+ cars and motorcycles on display in historic Ault Park, this year featuring Turbo Era cars, with all proceeds benefitting Juvenile Arthritis programs of the Arthritis Foundation. OhioConcours.com

Sidecar Bar + Kitchen Opens its Outdoor Patio & Bar

As the Cincinnati Reds celebrated Opening Day, The Hotel Rambler officially opened the Sidecar Bar + Kitchen outdoor patio and bar. The new outdoor area of the modern lounge offers the same delicious menu and the same hours as the indoor restaurant, serving elevated comfort food and crafted cocktails. The new seasonal spot includes a full bar, patio seating and fire pits. Explore the menu and make reservations online. SidecarCincinnati.com, TheHotelRambler.com

Scan to read more

Cincinnati Nationally Recognized as a Top City for Art

Cincinnati’s art scene was nationally recognized with three of USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’Choice Awards for 2026. The Queen City earned number two for Best Cities for Street Art between number one Philadelphia and number three Albuquerque. The Cincinnati Art Museum ranked number three for Best Art Museum in the nation. Finally, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton ranked number five in the Best Sculpture Park category. ArtWorksCincinnati.org, CincinnatiArtMuseum.org, PyramidHill.org

Wahopi

A PEEK INSIDE THE HYDE PARK LANDMARK ROOTED IN ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE

ARTICLE BY A.J. LAPE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD

SMITH/PHOTOSMITH & PROVIDED BY

OWNER

Tucked into a residential block in East Hyde Park, Wahopi— often called “the mushroom house”—stands apart from its surroundings. Designed and built beginning in 1992 by architect Terry Brown, the structure was originally known as The Studio. Brown’s early design work is known as Wahopi, a Native American word loosely translated as “nest ” Wahopi was conceived as an immersive expression of organic architecture—a philosophy rooted in the belief that buildings should echo the forms, materials and rhythms of the natural world. The movement traces back to Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work emphasized harmony between structure and environment.

According to Rick Wolf, one of the local craftsmen who helped build Wahopi, “[The house] reflects those principles through its undulating cedar shakes, lack of orthogonal [traditional right-angled] shapes...including the windows...and constant use of found or recycled materials.”

All of these trademarks are an approach that elevates what might otherwise be discarded into something intentional and expressive.

“WAHOPI WAS CONCEIVED AS AN IMMERSIVE EXPRESSION OF ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE.”

LOCALLY SOURCED

A defining principle of organic architecture is the use of materials drawn from the area.

“In Cincinnati, that means wood—oak, pine or cedar—and tile, due to our clay and river,” says Wolf.

Across the metro, other examples of organic architecture include the stonework of Burnet Woods Open Shelter Pavilion and Bellevue Hill Park Pavilion, the brick-and-stone Eden Park Board Administration Building and the rustic materials of Mount Airy Forest’s Oak Ridge and Maple Ridge Lodges.

At Wahopi, the private residence in East Hyde Park, cedar, tile and recycled materials bring the philosophy home.

THE ART OF PRESERVATION

As an architecture student, Wolf worked inside Wahopi layering hand-cut cedar shingles to create rippling interior walls and embellishing windows and doorways with hammered copper remnants. He was later invited to take on something

entirely new: mosaicking three studio ceilings using leftover Italian glass tiles from a client’s bathroom remodel.

“I had never installed tile,” Wolf says, “but was excited by the project.”

After completing the ceilings, Wolf submitted a kitchen floor concept inspired by a Louis Sullivan stencil. He spent weeks installing the floor himself—and in the process discovered tile as an expressive medium.

Today, he runs Wolf Custom Tile and Design and maintains Wahopi’s tilework. Preservation, he notes, is very different from renovation. Organic buildings age, shift and sometimes leak. When that happens, the goal is restoration, not reinvention.

“We try to put it back exactly the way it was made,” he shares.

The landmark home, a collaborative effort of local craftsmen working under the vision of Terry Brown, is a celebration of the organic architecture movement that blossomed in our community.

Wahopi.com | WolfCustomTile.com

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

Relational, Experiential, & Authentic LEARNING IN ACTION

Moeller High School Students Develop Real-Life Investment Skills in Burns Innovation Hub Courses

ARTICLE BY AMANDA STOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Just like their peers, the young men of Archbishop Moeller High School are preparing for their future education and professional goals. In recent years, many Moeller students expressed interest in pursuing degrees in business and engineering, but lacked clarity around specific career paths in these fields. This insight was crucial, prompting Moeller’s administration to embark on five years of curriculum development, which culminated in the opening of the Burns Innovation Hub last school year.

The curriculum is grounded in Moeller’s educational philosophy of REALearning. Provost Christine Brookbank explains, “REALearning is intentionally focused on designing environments where young men can thrive, drawing upon decades of experience as an all-boys school regarding how young men learn best.”

The 17,000-square-foot Burns Innovation Hub physically embodies REALearning, offering Moeller students a place to explore career interests such as investment research, portfolio management, physical and digital prototyping, entrepreneurship, broadcasting and negotiations. All courses emphasize connecting students with instructors, peers and the community, engaging them as active learners.

“All hub courses aim to develop ‘Moeller Mindset’ skills through performance-based tasks that exemplify that the learning process is messy and cyclical, requiring students to work in teams, overcome adversity and perfect their work through iteration,” notes Brookbank.

Karen Tlucek instructs the hub’s Investment Research and Portfolio Management Honors courses. Inspired by the University of Dayton Davis Center for Portfolio Management (which features

a large student-run investment fund), the program gives Moeller students a competitive advantage and real-world experience.

Investment Research students examine financial health and outlook by analyzing balance sheets, income statements (P&Ls), cash flow statements and key metrics and ratios.

“Their focus is on communicating the story behind the numbers, rather than just the metrics themselves,” shares Tlucek, who brings to her role as instructor a corporate career spanning more than 20 years in finance and brand management, along with an MBA from Boston College.

Students use professional tools such as Morningstar Direct to read reports and analyze company fundamentals, determining business strength and value. Their case studies often cover student-interest topics, such as comparing Monster to Celsius or examining nuclear energy investments related to AI. Course completion includes earning two financial certifications: Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals and Bloomberg Market Concepts.

In Portfolio Management Honors, students manage the Mercalde Family Student-Run Investment Fund, the nation’s largest high school student-run endowment, to generate financial aid for future Moeller students. Teams research two to three S&P sectors, crafting and pitching investment recommendations to an advisory board of industry experts, many of whom are Moeller alumni.

“The board treats the students as young professionals and does not hold back when asking questions, which prepares them for college and their early professional journeys. The board challenges the students on risks and urges them to consider the whole story of the company beyond just the numbers,” Tlucek enthuses.

The students’ portfolio has been outperforming the S&P 500 benchmark, with an average return of 25.2%. The fund is also unique because all investment recommendations undergo a full scrub using the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) guidelines to ensure alignment with Catholic values.

Knowing their efforts aid future students gives the young men a greater sense of purpose, reinforcing Moeller’s Marianist education philosophy.

“Being in a class that benefits all of Moeller was the highlight of my time there,” says Gavin Vaughan, Class of ‘25 Portfolio Management Honors student.

Brookbank adds, “This process helps ensure students continue to view the world through an ethical lens and consider how to give back.”

Tlueck has witnessed the impact of these courses and notes her students are “ten years ahead in their knowledge,” and continue to check in on the success of the investment fund. Recent graduates report that this experience gave them a competitive edge in their college pursuits, enabling them to engage confidently with third and fourth-year finance majors.

Only a year and a half after launching, the Burns Innovation Hub’s coursework is already providing students with a deeper, more confident knowledge base for their education and future careers.

A Moeller Education

The Moeller Mission:

Catholic. Marianist. Forming our Students into Remarkable Men.

Platinum Designated:

Moeller is Ohio's only Catholic allboys high school with the College Board's platinum designation, ranking its Advanced Placement program among the nation's best.

Educational Philosophy: REALearning

Relational, emphasizing the importance of relationships with teachers, peers, alumni and colleagues.

Experiential, focusing on handson learning, problem solving and deep engagement in the learning process, moving beyond passive lectures.

Authentic, solving real problems, connecting the work to students' interests and presenting to real audiences.

Moeller Mindset Skills

• Critical Questioning

• Compelling Creation

• Purposeful Perspective Seeking

• Resourceful Resilience

• Collaboration & Communication

Archbishop Moeller High School | 9001 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati | 513.791.1680 | Moeller.org

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Tiny Homes for Humanity is on a Mission to Help Unhoused People Find Stability, Comfort & Camaraderie

ARTICLE BY JONATHAN STOUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK LYONS–LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Tiny Homes for Humanity, founded by President Earl Crossland and Board Chairman/Treasurer Larry Plum, aims to provide housing and a fresh start for unhoused veterans, individuals and families. The organization plans to build a permanent supportive community, housing 14 veterans currently in temporary housing.

“We envision building a safe, supportive community where veterans continue to heal, become self-sufficient, develop economic independence and rebuild a better life,” Earl explains.

Since some residents will eventually move on to larger apartments or homes after three to four years, it will also create a continuous cycle of support for incoming residents, extending the impact for many years.

As a recently retired architect and owner of Mason-based architecture firm VSWC, Earl brings many years of design, construction and management experience to Tiny Homes for Humanity.

“I spent six months researching and designing a tiny home prototype,” Earl says. “We spent the next year and a half meeting with more than 30 community leaders and CEOs who work with veterans and unhoused people to seek input and support.”

After a challenging search for land in Cincinnati and Hamilton County to build the project, they learned that Gaines United Methodist Church was interested in developing affordable housing. They are now partnering with them to build a Tiny Home Veterans Village with 14 units on ¾ acre behind the church in Madisonville.

“This project is our first tiny home development, but the design goal of this and future communities is to create a

neighborhood feel, encourage social interaction, build camaraderie and develop personal responsibility,” Larry Plum shares.

Rev. Paula Stewart of Gaines UMC adds, “We hope that this project becomes the model for tiny home development throughout the city to help curtail the trend of unaffordable housing.”

Tiny Homes for Humanity has received a commitment of a large government grant, conditional upon raising $760,000 in private funds by June 30. Each tiny home costs $70,000 to build, with a total project cost of $2,020,000, including site infrastructure, engineering and other costs. The units feature the comforts of home, including a small front porch, living area, kitchenette, dining area, full bathroom and bedroom area.

“We are proud of persevering through many challenges and creating a viable project from just a dream,” Earl enthuses. “Seeing people find a home and improve their lives at Veterans Village will be the ultimate reward.”

The community can get involved with Tiny Homes for Humanity by donating, volunteering to support the fundraising campaign, volunteering to help build the tiny homes and contributing in-kind materials or services. Naming opportunities are also available for the village itself and areas throughout.

Support offered serves as a positive investment for communities throughout the region, as over 500 vets are currently without permanent housing in the Cincinnati area. TinyHomesforHumanity.org

Tiny Homes for Humanity is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, not affiliated with Habitat for Humanity.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home. “There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

ANTHURIUM:

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

HOPE PEPEROMIA:

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.”

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Pro tip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

Meet the Team

The New Faces Behind Hyde Park City Lifestyle

There’s a new team in town. Hyde Park City Lifestyle bids a thankful farewell to Publisher Brandy White and Editor Allison Mackey. Beginning with this issue, new leadership is at the helm, excited to connect with the community. Here are the new faces behind the pages of this publication. We look forward to seeing you around town!

Deborah Mekenese

Publisher

Deborah is a Cincinnati native and lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for celebrating the people, places and stories that make our communities extraordinary. As the publisher of both Indian Hill City Lifestyle and Hyde Park City Lifestyle, she is deeply committed to telling local stories authentically. When she's not curating content that connects neighbors and elevates local businesses, you'll find her on the mats at Fuse MMA or outside with her four children. Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com

Michelle Numann

Publication Manager

Michelle is the Publication Manager for Hyde Park City Lifestyle, Indian Hill City Lifestyle and two additional publications in Florida. She plays a key role in keeping each edition organized, elevated and on schedule. She works with City Lifestyle’s partners to guide them through every step of the process. From ad design and revisions to deadlines and creative direction, Michelle is the primary resource for a smooth, successful partnership from start to finish. Michelle.Numann@CityLifestyle.com

Tera Michelson

Editor

Tera Michelson is a Cincinnati-based writer who loves telling the stories that make a community feel like home. She steps into the role of editor at Hyde Park City Lifestyle, and also serves as editor for Indian Hill City Lifestyle and West Chester + Liberty Lifestyle. She enjoys working alongside this inspired and creative team and is excited to celebrate the neighborhood. Tera’s work focuses on the people, businesses and moments that shape everyday life in our city. Through thoughtful conversations and engaging features, she hopes to connect readers with the creativity, generosity and spirit that define Hyde Park. If you have a story idea or community event to share, contact Tera. Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

Ricky

Fairrow

RF Graphics

Ricky Fairrow is a brand and growth strategist who helps businesses stand out through digital marketing, social content, brand design and web design. After years of creating for corporate brands across the U.S. and internationally, he now brings that same elevated creative direction to local Cincinnati businesses and partners of City Lifestyle magazine, delivering top-tier brand quality without the expense of a full agency. If your local business is ready to grow, attract new customers and elevate its presence, reach out to Ricky. RFGraphics.com

Kohta Rincon

Kohta Rincon Photography

Kohta is an art-focused portrait photographer known for warm, vibrant images that capture authentic emotion. A self-taught artist, she breaks traditional posing rules to create portraits that feel natural and compelling. Her shooting style builds connection and comfort long before the camera comes out. Inspired by her Arabian rescue horse, Kohta’s business grew from whimsical equestrian shoots into a full-service studio specializing in brand, boudoir, senior and equestrian photography in her Old Milford studio. KohtaRinconPhotography.com

ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY

The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY

INCOME TAX cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth

• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth

• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters

• Orange Twist

• Glass Type: Coupe

DIRECTIONS:

1. Squeeze your OJ.

2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.

3. Shake.

4. Pour into your coupe.

5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.

6. Garnish.

7. Enjoy being done with taxes.

8. And a good cocktail.

The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.

A Sample Of Recently Sold Properties in and around Hyde Park

APRIL 9TH

OTR Film Festival The Reel Deal

events

The Spot on West Fifth, 337 W. 5th Street, Cincinnati | 6:00 PM

Join Over-The-Rhine International Film Festival and Cindependent with Women in Film Cincinnati, Black Cincinnati Cinema Collective, Vessels, Caribbean Eye, and the Mariemont Theatre for a celebration of film festivals and friends featuring the music of The Ophelia’s. OTRFilmfest.org/events/

APRIL 10TH

Hyde Park School Spring Celebration

MadTree Brewing Company, 3301 Madison Road, Cincinnati | 7:00 PM

Hyde Park School hosts its 14th annual Spring Celebration April 10 from 7-11p.m. at MadTree Brewing Company. This event is their largest fundraiser and provides an opportunity for Hyde Park School families, staff and community supporters to celebrate the successful and growing school of 650+ students primarily from the Hyde Park and Oakley neighborhoods. Tickets are available online. HydeParkSchoolPTO.org/spring-celebration/

APRIL 18TH

Spring4Life Gala

Bacon Barn, 10890 Indeco Drive, Blue Ash | 6:00 PM

Dust off your boots and join 1N5 for a night of rustic charm and meaningful impact at their annual Spring4Life Gala. Put on your western chic duds to support 1N5’s lifesaving mental health programming across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Tickets include cocktails, appetizers, dinner by the bite, auction classic cars and live music. Tickets available online. 1N5.org

APRIL 19TH

Cincinnati Earth Day Festival

Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, Over-the-Rhine | 12:00 PM

This “Green Cincinnati” themed event is an educational festival to celebrate sustainability, resilience and equity in green initiatives for our community. Food trucks will be onsite. The free event is designed to showcase Cincinnati’s commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable future through its expanding Zero Waste programs. CincinnatiEarthDayorg.mailchimpsites.com/

APRIL 23RD - 26TH

Art in Bloom

Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati | 11:00 AM

Floral artists from across the globe bring artworks to life at Cincinnati Art Museum's 2026 Art in Bloom. The annual celebration includes floral installations that bring a fresh perspective to the museum’s collection, interactive workshops and exclusive programming designed to captivate and inspire. Enjoy the floral displays; some related programs are ticketed. Details are available online. CincinnatiArtMuseum.org/events-programs/fundraisers/art-in-bloom/

APRIL 24TH

Ault Vines Fine Wines

Ault Park Pavilion, 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati | 6:00 PM

Enjoy an elegant evening of wines, light bites and the music of Jeff Henry and The Necessary Evils at Ault Park Pavilion. A local food truck will be onsite, along with non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Every sip supports the Ault Park Advisory Council, an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, working for the benefit of Ault Park. Tickets available online. AultParkAC.org/event/ault-vines-fine-wines-2026/?event date=2026-04-24

Want to be featured?