Indian Hill, OH April 2026

To MOM, With Love

MOTHER’S DAY EVENT | 15% SAVINGS

Wednesday, May 6th

4 PM - 7 PM

Please RSVP by May 5th by phone or email: cincyreceptionist@jamesfree.com | 513-798-0133

Celebrate MOM with a gift from James Free Jewelers! Buy direct and SAVE 15% from the featured designers such as Mikimoto, Marco Bicego, Roberto Coin, Charles Krypell (in person), Goshwara, Fope and more at the Mother’s Day Event!

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 @INDIANHILL.CITYLIFESTYLE

Proudly serving Indian Hill, Mariemont, Madeira, Montgomery, Terrace Park & the Kenwood/Blue Ash Business District

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Deborah Mekenese

Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Michelle Numann

COPY EDITOR A.J. Lape

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristy Belley, Angela Broockerd, Brooke Griffin Farmer, Bill Furbee, Amanda Stout

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

6S Photography, Janie Jones, RF Graphics, Kandace Smith, Caleb Woods

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

The power of

Financial Insights That Matter to You Directly From Your Neighborhood Experts

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Our newsletter showcases the latest insights from financial experts to support financial planning and investment management decisions at every stage of life.

Highlights included in every issue:

• Timely, thoughtful commentary on financial headlines

• Spotlights on team members and firm updates

• Perspective on the everevolving financial landscape without complexity

We’re here to help you grow your wealth, prepare for retirement, manage family assets, and more. Sign up today by visiting bit.ly/FosterMotleyNewsletter or by scanning the QR code.

city scene

WHERE

NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

OF

PROVIDED BY ADVENTURE CREW

BY ADVENTURE CREW

BY ADVENTURE CREW

1: Local nonprofit Aviatra Accelerators was named Nonprofit Recipient of the NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative Annual Breakfast. 2: Indian Hill Elementary Fifth Graders earned first place in the Stock Market Game. 3: Adventure Crew employees & Paddlefest organizers Shauna Steigerwald, Sam Glew & Miriam Wise. 4: Scott Bernes, Gay Hammon, Linda Oldendick & Jenny Hoeting enjoy the Ohio River Paddlefest Launch Party. 5: Launch party attendees got a preview of Paddlefest’s music lineup with Jake Speed & The Freddies. 6: The Cincy Hat House will provide safe, affordable, independent living for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities. 7: Ted Karras & The Cincy Hat Foundation broke ground on the first Cincy Hat House in Madisonville.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

business monthly

Lindner Center of HOPE Hosts Community Education Day—May 3

Lindner Center of HOPE will host their bi-annual Community Education Day on May 3 in honor of Mental Health Month at Manor House in Mason from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The half-day workshop features a keynote presentation by Ross Ellenhorn, LICSW, PhD, multiple breakout sessions led by clinicians and a community resource center. Education and open dialogue help individuals recognize symptoms earlier, support loved ones and access appropriate care. LindnerCenterOfHope.org

Join the 15th Annual Conquer the Hill 5K—April 25

You are invited to lace up for the 15th Annual Conquer the Hill 5K on Saturday, April 25. From competitive runners to stroller-pushers, all are invited to participate in this flat course that starts at Indian Hill High School and finishes at Home of the Brave. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Kid Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds directly support the Braves Helping Braves Fund. Register online. IndianHillSchools.org/ConquertheHill2026.aspx

Sidecar Bar + Kitchen Opens its Outdoor Patio and 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 outside The Hotel Rambler includes a full bar, patio seating and fire pits. Explore the menu and make reservations online. SidecarCincinnati. com, TheHotelRambler.com

Scan to read more Scan to read

ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF GRAPHICS

INVESTING IN HOME

INSIDE DESIGN LAB’S PHILOSOPHY OF AUTHENTICITY, CRAFTSMANSHIP & TIMELESS DESIGN

Some investments live in portfolios; others live in the rooms where life unfolds. At Design Lab, owner Barbara Neyer believes the best rooms are thoughtfully arranged with pieces that tell a story and stand the test of time.

Step inside the new showroom, now open in O’Bryonville, and it quickly becomes clear that this is not about decorating for the moment. It is about crafting intentional and inviting spaces that grow with the people who live in them, created through investment, not impulse.

“I think people make a house a home,” Barbara says. “And I think what your personal touches are, whether it's the art you collect, the photographs you put up or the books you read, I think they should tell the story about you.”

That philosophy has guided Design Lab since Barbara launched the business nearly ten years ago. Her work has become known among clients who want something more thoughtful than showroom sets or trend-driven decorating. Rather than starting with catalogs, Barbara begins with a conversation.

“We like to get to know our clients and really get an understanding of how they live, what they like and how they work,” she explains. “That’s our starting point—then we figure out how to make it better.”

The result is a style that feels curated instead of prescribed.

Barbara describes Design Lab’s aesthetic as modern with an eclectic point of view.

“We love to mix the old with the new…it helps people look at their own collections and furniture and see how they can mix old and new as well,” she says.

That approach resonates with homeowners who already own meaningful pieces. Barbara helps clients build around what they love, encouraging them to look at design as a long-term investment.

“Here, you're buying things that are good quality, that you're going to want to keep for a long time,” she says. “You would want to get it recovered, maybe hand it down to your children.”

It is this idea of longevity that sets Design Lab apart. The brands they carry are European manufacturers known for traditional craftsmanship, meticulous detail and heritage production methods.

“WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HOME, YOU SHOULD DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND JUST GO WITH IT. CREATE YOUR OWN TREND. BE YOURSELF AND DO WHAT YOU LIKE.”

-BARBARA NEYER, DESIGN LAB

“We go over to Europe and find people still hand sewing and hand tufting leather pieces…they take a lot of pride in their work,” she says. “Their design, quality and craftsmanship are next level.”

Many of the pieces in Design Lab’s showroom remain relevant because they are the kinds of furnishings that anchor a room, the pieces that do not go out of style but instead become part of a home’s story.

Furniture is more than functional—it’s part of a larger artistic process. Barbara’s expertise is invaluable. Her guidance ensures each piece works within the whole. What may appear effortless in a finished room often involves careful editing, mixing periods, balancing colors and understanding how pieces relate to one another.

“I think a lot of people don't understand how design works together,” she says, “Like the layering—of textures, patterns and materials—all the elements that can evolve to define a distinctive space.”

Despite her deep knowledge of design, Barbara keeps her advice refreshingly simple when it comes to personal style.

“I'm not a big person of trends,” she says. “When it comes to your home, I feel like you should do what you love and just go with it. Create your own trend. Be yourself and do what you like.”

It’s a credo that feels particularly fitting in Cincinnati neighborhoods where homes reflect generations of collected art and meaningful memories.

At Design Lab, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s authenticity. And in Barbara’s hands, a room becomes something more than beautiful. It becomes unmistakably yours.

Design Lab | 1985 Madison Road, Cincinnati | 513.620.7299 | Info@design-lab.com | Design-Lab.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.

"I had Amy and her crew do 4 of my bathrooms recently Her crew was fabulous and did great work. They were very conscientious and considerate of us They understood that we were living through the whole process. I love my bathrooms!!" - Steph S

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 all-boys 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 hands-on 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

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.

SNAKE PLANT:

This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not

wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their 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.”

DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:

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. Protip: 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.

ZZ PLANT:

The ZZ plant, which its formal name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a very easy plant to care for. They like anything from low light to bright light. These plants are hard to kill and can go a long time without being watered. Their bulbs hold a lot of moisture, so they only

need to be watered once a month. This is a great plant to give as a gift due to its ease of care and versatility. They are slow-growing and are great for counters and tabletops. There are new varieties coming out such as Lucky which has round leaves and Raven which is black.

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.

LOCAL NONPROFIT PROVIDES RESOURCES TO RESCUE & REHABILITATE DUCKS & GEESE

WATERFOWL RESCUE

ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“I TOOK THE DUCK IN MYSELF. THAT OPENED THE FLOODGATES— AND HERE WE ARE, OVER 200 BIRDS LATER.”

Although waterfowl rescue might not be top-of-mind for many, one man is working to address what he says is an unfortunate need.

“Domestic ducks have been crossbred over generations to create a larger version of their natural bodies,” Jimmy Longbottom, founder of Longbottom Bird Rescue, says. “Because of their size, they can’t fly. So, if an owner drops one of these birds in the wild, thinking, ‘It’s a duck, it will be fine,’ that bird is left to starve, freeze or be taken by predators,” he cautions.

“Unfortunately,” he adds, “if most people saw a pond of ducks starving or freezing, they wouldn’t even know it. To most people, a duck is a duck. We’re trying to raise awareness and compassion for these animals in our community.”

Longbottom Bird Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) domestic waterfowl rescue; its mission is to rescue and rehabilitate domestic waterfowl in crisis. It also strives to raise awareness and inspire a community where domestic waterfowl can be valued and treated with kindness. Longbottom currently cares for 215 geese and ducks.

“I MEASURE OUR SUCCESS BY HOW MANY PEOPLE WE ENGAGE WITH AND CARRY OUR MESSAGE TO. LAST YEAR, WE SPOKE WITH OVER 1,200 PEOPLE AT BREWERIES, COFFEE SHOPS AND COMMUNITY CENTERS IN FOUR DIFFERENT STATES.”

For Longbottom, waterfowl rescue is personal.

“I had pet ducks myself, and began using social media to promote proper waterfowl care,” he says. “Someone reached out to me about a pet duck they were trying to surrender to a sanctuary but couldn’t find one that would take it.”

At the time, he thought Animal Control, Ohio Department of Natural Resources or some other agency would have resources to help with the scenario. He quickly learned those agencies do not, in fact, have resources earmarked for waterfowl abandonment.

“So, I took the duck in myself,” Longbottom  says. “That opened the floodgates—and here we are, over 200 birds later.”

Longbottom stresses that all of his organization’s funding comes from individual donations.

“We don't receive any state or federal grants,” he says. Instead, he counts on “a lot of big-hearted people” who follow along with the work that he does. “I also work a full-time job,” Longbottom says, “and that paycheck goes straight to the feed store.”

He explains that the organization’s biggest goal this year is to find a long-term home for its operations, currently leasing land

from three different private farms to house the birds, which he has to visit every day. This year, he says, the organization continues to fundraise and search for a permanent space, where all of the birds can be together in one place.

“Once we have that,” he says, “we can finally begin offering tours and welcoming people to come out and meet some of our little miracles.”

Longbottom shares that an easy way to support the cause is simply following his organization on social media.

“That's where you can learn about free education events that we have coming up—and volunteer opportunities,” he points out.

Volunteer work and monetary contributions are also welcome.

Additionally, he shares a message for anyone considering acquiring a duck as a pet of their own: “They’re loud and messy. Not a great pet. Don't get one!” he says with a laugh.

Learn about how to invest in the Longbottom Bird Rescue flock with financial and volunteer support and see a full listing of upcoming Longbottom Bird Rescue educational events online. Instagram.com/longbottombirdrescue/

A Sample Of Recently Sold Properties in and around Indian Hill

ARTICLE BY BROOKE GRIFFIN

BY KANDACE SMITH & CALEB WOODS

Wellness Corner

THE QUIET INVESTMENTS THAT MATTER MOST

Spring has always felt like a fresh ledger to me. The sunlight lingers a little longer, trees begin to bloom and everything feels as if it is waking up again. Growth becomes visible. And it reminds me that what we nurture consistently will eventually show.

For years, I invested my energy everywhere. This season, I am choosing more deliberately. Here is where I am investing myself this spring:

My Pace

I no longer begin my day reacting. A few quiet moments before the world weighs in steadies my thinking and sharpens my decisions. Even fifteen intentional minutes change how I lead the rest of the day.

Strength Through Simplicity

I am choosing steadiness over extremes, for example, simple, consistent meals that fuel strength rather than quick fixes that drain it. Discipline in the small things builds capacity for the larger ones.

One Meaningful Connection Each Week

One unhurried lunch. One long walk. One conversation without distraction. Depth compounds. The relationships we tend with intention are the ones that sustain both family and community.

Rest as Wisdom

I used to treat sleep as negotiable—it is not. A consistent bedtime and fewer late nights have restored clarity I did not realize I was missing.

Spring makes growth visible, but investment happens quietly. The truest returns are rarely loud, but they are lasting.

About Brooke Griffin Farmer, Brooke Griffin Farmer is a USA Today best-selling author, entrepreneur, former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader and Fitness Universe champion. She’s passionate about helping women live well—body, mind and spirit. Brooke is the creator of Move Pray Love, a podcast and lifestyle brand that blends faith, food and wellness. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband and children.  @BrookeGriffinFarmer | OurFarmerHouse.com

APRIL 10TH

RAD Speaker Series: Derick Lugo

The Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut Street, Cincinnati | 5:30 PM

Join Adventure Crew’s Raising Access and Diversity (RAD) Women’s Collective for their Speaker Series withAuthor Derick Lugo. He’ll present his new book, “A Fabulous Thru-Hike,” sharing his experience on the Continental Divide Trail. The evening begins with a social hour including a cash bar, the book presentation and a Q&A session. Purchase tickets online. AdventureCrew.org/events

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/

CONTINUED

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 in the 2026 Art in Bloom event at the Cincinnati Art Museum. The annual event 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 for free during open hours. Some related programs are ticketed at this immersive experience for all ages. Details online. CincinnatiArtMuseum.org/eventsprograms/fundraisers/art-in-bloom/

APRIL 25TH

Rowe Arboretum Annual Plant Sale

Stephan Field, 6300 Drake Road, Indian Hill | 10:00 AM

Spring has sprung! It’s time for the annual Rowe Arboretum spring plant sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Stephan Field. Shop multiple vendors for rare and native plants for your yard and garden. IndianHill.gov/event/2026-springplant-sale/

APRIL 25TH - 26TH

Exposure: Montgomery

Photo Competition

Preview Exhibition & Awards Presentation

Terwilliger Lodge, 105300 Deerfield Road, Montgomery

Exposure: Montgomery, the area’s longest-running amateur photo competition invites you to view entries for its 38th annual competition at a Preview Exhibition on Saturday, April 25, 12-4 p.m. Awards will be presented on Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m. Presented by the Montgomery Arts Commission. MontgomeryOhio. gov/exposure-montgomery-photocompetition/