Loveland, OH October 2024

FOOD + BEVERAGE MAINETOWNE ATTRACTION

WEISS WHIPS IT UP

ANOTHER BOTTLE? WINE NOT!

Estate Planning for Newlyweds

Newlywed estate planning misconceptions:

“We don’t own much.”

“After we buy a house.”

“We don’t have children.”

“We will take care of each other.”

“My spouse will make emergency decisions.”

After the “I do’s” is the best time to begin protecting your future together You don’t need to own a home or assets or have children to make a will, create medical directives, or designate beneficiaries.

Wolterman Law Office helps couples create comprehensive estate plans in all life stages. Schedule a free consultation to plan your future now.

Now I’m Hungry

Reader beware—opening this issue can cause the following: tummy rumbles, instant mouthwatering, crazy cravings and the need to jump in the car and drive to one of our featured eating establishments for lunch or dinner ... right now!

Seriously, this issue is so backed with flavor (did you read the header on the cover?!?) that both my editor and I texted each other multiple times while reviewing and found we were each overcome with hunger pains—just from reading article after article. Okay, it wasn’t that bad, but we were really, really hungry.

I don’t know what I craved the most. It could’ve been the flatbread pizza from WineNot (and the nice glass of wine next to it). Or that lovely fresh salad from MaineTowne Kitchen and Bar. Perhaps it was the plate of scrumptious sandwiches and beautiful wedding cookies from Weiss Baking Co. Honestly, all three options would make a fantastic complete dinner from start to finish.

We are so lucky to have some incredible new places to try in the area. So dive in, maybe grab your car keys first—because you won’t be sitting still for long. And don’t say I didn’t warn you. Bon appétit!

October 2024

PUBLISHER

Emily Barlow | emily.barlow@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Stephanie Meinberg

stephanie.meinberg@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Courtney Kraemer | courtney.kraemer@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kelsie Ruoff | lovelandlifestyle@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Courtney Kraemer, Kathy Doane, Lisa Fletcher, Carly Tamborski, Nicole Browning, Bill Furbee, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Stephanie Meinberg, Madeline Christmas, Nicolette Martin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matthew J. Capps, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Olga Polo Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard Learn

Though the season may be changing… Sundance has you covered.

When we say it’s the perfect addition to your deck, we mean it – and we aren’t just talking about during the summer. Yes, the motorized louvers effortlessly allow you to control how much natural light you let in, but why stop there?

Fall chill in the air – heat lamps can be added for extra warmth.

Days getting shorter – add lights to enjoy your deck well into the evening. Bugs ruining your dinner – screens can come down for protection and privacy.

Smaller back deck – Sundance pergolas can fit any size home.

It’s the most cost-effective way to achieve the three-season room you’ve always wanted.

city scene

1: Two of our area’s filmmakers enjoying the inaugural Loveland Shorts Film Fest @Loveland_Stage_Company. 2: Ohio River Paddlefest! Loved seeing everyone come together to support @AdventureCrewCincy’s mission to connect city teens with nature. 3: @LovelandCitySchools BAC’s 3-Star Award for building partnerships with local businesses to create opportunities for students. 4: A beautiful afternoon for the official ribbon cutting at @CincyHomearama, Stone Pillars Farm in Goshen! 5: So many exciting finds at the @LovelandFarmersMarket this season, including these beautiful sunflowers! 6: @BetterBlendOfficial and @FlyBungeeFitness in Loveland teamed up to enhance community engagement by promoting healthy lifestyles. 7: Symmes Township’s team roastin’ that corn at their August Harvest Festival at Meade Historic Preserve.

8: @BishopsQuarter presented @GigisPlayhouse_Cincinnati with $6,000 raised by NKYB’s golf outing! 9: @TheBMWstoreCincinnati shines as Platinum Sponsor and Automobile Partner of @CincyHomearama. 10: Hospice of Southwest Ohio’s Dementia Live experience and brewery tour at @GrainWorksBeer—raising awareness and support.

Our job is to keep it as healthy as possible.

Eating, smiling, speaking—your teeth play an important role in the execution of all the above and more. Our team wants to make sure your pearly whites are able to preform at their best. We do it all—from routine cleanings to advanced procedures like implants, veneers and Invisalign.

Speaking of your face, we also offer options to erase wrinkles and fine lines. Or if snoring is disrupting a good night’s sleep, we offer low-maintenance sleep solutions.

(FDA Approved Oral Appliances)

You Can Dance, You Can Jive

And you’ll be having the time of your life! Don’t miss the 6th annual Dancing with the Stars—a brilliant night of local stars, pro performers, jaw-dropping costumes and breathtaking numbers, all benefiting the life-changing mission of NEST Community Learning Center. Tickets still available for the Friday, October 18 event, taking place at 6p at the Oasis Golf and Conference Center. Can’t make it? Donate now to all these neighborhood celebs getting ready to dance the night away! NestCLC. org/2024-dancing-with-the-stars

FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT

Whether you love to walk, run or just need comfortable shoes, we can help! Visit Fleet Feet to find the shoes and gear to support you best. Join our community for fun runs, training groups, events and more. We can’t wait to run with you.

LIFE Moves on … to a Bigger Location!

Scan

Loveland’s choice food pantry has some news—they’re moving! The LIFE Food Pantry will still be at Shoppers Haven, but now in a much larger space. The overall experience has expanded—with shopping carts, more brands, and a specialized section for specific dietary needs. “Those things sound basic—but we’ve been tight for so long, they’re luxuries for us,” says Linda Bergholz. LIFE is planning a grand opening celebration after the move—so keep an eye on their website! LifeFoodPantry.org

LOCAL experiences 5

Gourmet Get-Together: Must-Try Cooking Classes

1. OUT OF THYME KITCHEN STUDIO

Learn to roast chicken, prepare dumplings, bake pies and more! Date night?  OutOfThymeChef.com/cooking-classes

2. TURNER FARM

Enjoy farm-to-table cooking fun with appetizers, wine and local ingredients. TurnerFarm.org/cooking-classes

3. SUR LA TABLE ROOKWOOD

From global nights to family fun, explore the culinary world with expert guidance.  SurLaTable.com/locations/oh/cincinnati/ cooking-classes

4. WEISS BAKING CO.

This locally owned family biz features fall baking classes—think pies, macarons, breads, baked goods.  WeissBakingCompany.com/classes

5. TABLESPOON COOKING CO.

Build culinary confidence with hands-on classes and a well-stocked bar for all levels.  TablespoonCookingCo.com/classes/

ARTICLE BY KATHY DOANE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS

Friendship A Foundation of

COLLEGE BUDDIES REUNITE TO RESTORE A 150-YEAR-OLD FARM

This is a story of friendship and a family’s mantra lived over five generations: Faith, Family, Food, Farming. And what can happen when all those values combine to create something extraordinary.

Loveland-based remodeler Tim Gill (founder and owner of Perennial Professional Services) remembers the day in October 2019 when his friend Tom Fiorini called—inviting him, as well as several other old college buddies, to the Kelly-Donehue family farm outside of DeMossville, KY.

Although Tom didn’t give specifics, he told everyone they were being brought together for a charette—a French word meaning “an intense, time-sensitive effort by a group of architectural students to solve a problem.” It was a term Tim and Tom understood well. Their more than 40-year friendship had begun when they were students at the University of Kentucky, majoring in architectural landscape.

Although Tim had never been to the farm, he had heard Tom talk nostalgically about his childhood summers there with his grandparents, Jack and Esther Kelly.

Tom and his wife, Jo Anne, had acquired control of 42 acres of the original family farm and all of the buildings that summer from the estate of its last owner, his Aunt Ann Kelly, who had died in March. A neighbor had purchased the farm’s surrounding 175 acres.

The 1884 farmhouse, built originally by Tom’s great-great-grandfather, James Donehue, had not been lived in for nearly a decade. “It was pretty much buttoned up like a museum,” Tom says. And it was in pretty rough shape.

CONTINUED >

On October 18, everyone arrived at the farm. The group consisted of Tim, landscape architect Phil Bishop, architect Garlan VanHook. Other specialists—an arborist, two engineers, a neighboring farmer—were there that weekend, too.

Tom then revealed his and Jo Anne’s plan for the farm’s future: As faithful stewards of the land and to honor Tom’s ancestors, they planned to turn the farm into a community center—a place for work, prayer and play amid the natural beauty of the rolling landscape.

It would be a retreat, where people could come and enjoy the restored and renovated farmhouse and property, plus all the amenities they planned to add: a large swimming pool, pickleball and basketball courts, an outdoor kitchen, two bunkhouses and four fully equipped RV pads. It would be a massive and expensive project. And the kicker—it would be free to use.

“We all told him he was crazy,” Tim says, laughing, “but Tom was adamant that this is what they wanted to do.”

For two days, the group explored every inch of the house and listened to Tom’s vision for the property. “He wanted to maintain the original two-story house, take all the additions off, add a family room on the back, and a master suite above it on the second floor with additional storage,” Tim remembers. Tom also planned to plant several hundred trees—including fruit trees—and reestablish the vegetable gardens, hayfields and pastures.

The house needed all new plumbing, electrical, HVAC and a persistent wet basement issue solved. At its core, it was a 140-yearold wooden box with oak floors and oak walls. The TLC it would require to bring it back to life was hard to imagine. But “imagine” they did, and over two days, architect Garlan came up with a plan and remodeler Tim began to develop a strategy and estimate for pulling it off.

“The difficult college program we went through together in our early 20s created bonds for life.” - Tim Gill

Once Tom gave the green light, Tim brought in his crew. “We stripped every wall down to its bare studs, but were able to harvest a lot of the wood,” he says. Jo Anne took on the formidable task of removing decades of wallpaper. “Seven or eight layers,” she smiles.

The old enclosed porch was removed, a memorable day when the mini-excavator pulled it off its stone foundation and “snakes starting shooting out in every direction,” Tim says, laughing.

Tim estimated that the project would take about six months, but 2020 dawned, March came and COVID shut the world down. Yet, in a strange twist of fate, that didn’t stop progress.

Although government had ordered builders to cease all operations that involved going into occupied houses, Tim’s crew weren’t breaking any rules by continuing to work in an empty farmhouse. “My guys drove separately, and each worked in a different room.”

As Tim had promised, Tom, Jo Anne and family were able to stay in the house for Christmas 2020. The first few months of 2021 were devoted to “tying up loose ends,” Tim says. And by spring, the Kelly-Donehue Heritage Farm began to welcome the community.

Interestingly enough, the first event—a reception after a funeral at nearby St. John’s Catholic Church—had ties to Tom’s Irish immigrant great-great grandfather James. James was also part of a group of immigrant families who built St. John’s in 1883.

CONTINUED >

“The

- Tom Fiorini

Since that spring 2021 opening, other people have enjoyed personal retreats; groups have held meetings and reunions. The community was invited to the farm for a Christmas party that year. The big event this summer was the farm’s 150th anniversary, which drew 300 people on a rainy day!

Every wall throughout the house is a tribute to the generations of Donehues and Kellys who called it home—photos, documents, swatches of wallpaper that Jo Anne removed, old farm tools, a glass case containing arrowheads and stone implements belonging to the land’s original residents. A short wall between the two large downstairs rooms showcases the tongue-and-groove technique used to construct the house in 1884. And perhaps most precious, James Donehue’s framed certificate of U.S. citizenship, dated August 23, 1859.

Still, Tom and Jo Anne have one more project for Tim—to build them a small retirement home on the property.

“We plan to move there and be the caretakers,” Tom says. As for more on this amazing restoration and community center? Word-of-mouth is the current practice, with a formal website and Facebook presence to come in time.

PerennialProfessionalServices.com 308 S. Riverside Ave, Loveland 513.683.7222

Your family’s comfort is priceless—let Time Savers Heating and Cooling help you upgrade with Carrier’s Cool Cash rebate.

There’s never been a better time to upgrade to Carrier comfort. For a limited time, you can claim up to $2,100 in Cool Cash rebates on a new system*. Contact us to learn more about how you can get year-round premium comfort and energy savings – without having to put in extra hours at the office.

Get Ready for Winter with Time Savers Heating and Cooling!

Winter is just around the corner—is your furnace ready to keep your home cozy? At Time Savers Heating and Cooling, we specialize in providing top-tier furnace replacement and service to ensure your family stays comfortable, no matter how cold it gets outside.

From September 9th through November 23rd, take advantage of the Carrier Cool Cash rebate — a limited-time offer that allows you to claim up to $2,100* in Cool Cash rebates on qualifying Carrier systems! Upgrade to an energy-efficient model that keeps your home warm while lowering your energy bills, all while pocketing some serious savings.

Not ready to replace your furnace? No problem! We also offer comprehensive furnace service and maintenance to ensure your existing system is running at peak performance. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your furnace and prevent unexpected breakdowns during the coldest months.

Plus, we make it easier than ever to get the comfort you deserve with convenient flexible payment options through Carrier Financing. With affordable payment plans, upgrading your home’s comfort doesn’t have to break the bank. You can spread out the cost of your new system to fit your budget while enjoying all the benefits of a modern, efficient furnace. Don’t let the winter chill catch you unprepared. Call Time Savers Heating and Cooling today to schedule your furnace service or replacement, and take advantage of these incredible offers while they last!

•

•

•

•

Elevated Eats

New Maineville Hot Spot Dishes Up High-Quality Ingredients and a Relaxed Vibe

FLETCHER

It’s the woodsy aroma of the smoker that’ll be the first clue you’re getting close to downtown Maineville’s newest restaurant, MaineTowne Kitchen and Bar. Once you hit that well-known four-way stop, you’ll see the beautifully restored 1840s building, with a welcoming two-story front porch and a quaint backyard filled with picnic tables, games and hanging twinkly lights. And on a crisp fall Saturday night, you’ll likely hear the melody of a local musician, too.

This is not your average bar. The food here is elevated: Local, free-range chicken. Meats smoked in-house. Homemade sauces and dressings using high-quality olive oil. And nary a fryer on site.

“We use real, fresh ingredients that people should have in their everyday diet,” says Courtney Stylski, one of the owners of the restaurant that opened in July. “We even make our own simple syrup for mocktails and cocktails, and our super popular sangrias are made fresh in-house daily.”

MaineTowne has been a dream in the making for a group of local residents—Mike and Courtney Stylski, Lauren and Ian Day, and Matt Scheffer— who knew that acquiring the historic home in the heart of the village of Maineville would be the perfect place to bring people together.

“We’ve lived in the area for more than 11 years, and we wanted a place close to home with delicious food, great drinks, and a community feel— so we decided to make it a reality.” Courtney explains. “We wanted to bring more life to our cute little town.”

It’s difficult to pick which item on the creative menu was my favorite. Let’s start with the sharable options, which were warm, aromatic, and full of flavor. The creamy, whipped feta drizzled with honey, topped with house-made sweet and spicy peppers and served with homemade flatbread was a great way to start the evening. The mix of sweet and spicy came through the whole dish, and the friendly server was kind enough to bring extra peppers when they disappeared (too) quickly.

To wash it down, the Sangri-La Sangria, one of their most popular drinks (made with white wine, peach brandy and the aforementioned house-made simple) was an excellent choice. With healthy options in mind, there’s also a nice mocktail list, including The Portland Peach, a combination of peach purée, fresh lemon juice, honey and club soda.

Up next was a heartier choice of meatballs and buffalo chicken flatbread. Courtney says the meatballs are co-owner Matt’s family recipe, and it’s easy to see why it made our must-have list. They were moist, seasoned perfectly, and covered in marinara goodness. And there’s no denying the difference good quality chicken can bring to a dish. It was the highlight of the flatbread, and the addition of MaineTowne’s own hot sauce and ranch dressing put it over the top.

But Courtney says the sloppy joe is one of their most popular items on the menu, which also includes an array of well-priced sandwiches and salads. Made with juicy smoked brisket, crisp onions, and their pickled peppers on a brioche bun, it’s every bit as elevated as she boasts.

“We’ve lived in the area for more than 11 years, and we wanted a place close to home with delicious food, great drinks, and a community feel.”

A great deal of thought went into highlighting the original history of the home-turned-restaurant, Courtney shares, including exposing the original brick walls, refinishing the original hardwood floors, and turning the garage into an attractive bar. My suggestion? Put MaineTowne Kitchen and Bar at the top of your “Get There Now” list. With daily lunch specials, happy hour from 4 – 6 p.m., and Wine Down Wednesday wine specials, there’s always a perfect time to go.

MaineTowne.com | 8143 OH-48, Maineville 513.239.5743

Raising the Bar

Turning Storage Into Stupendous (One That Can Serve Up a Mean Drink, Too)

Need a fresh take on an old space? Challenge accepted— especially if it involves turning under-utilized areas into family entertainment hubs.

Julia Bender, of Julia Bender Interiors, offers full-service interior design solutions for homes, businesses, and whatever creative improvements you want to conjure up for your space.

Her recent renovation—a super-chic revamped bar with a wood countertop, dark cabinets, leather bar chairs, and mounted TV. There’s even a cozy corner nook.

The clients—with whom Julia had previously worked— had an addition to their home that just wasn’t getting its best use. They had bigger ideas for the space, but needed help to bring it to fruition.

“It was actually a small bedroom in the back that they had never used except for storage—part of an addition that also included a family room,” Julia explains. “Next to that was their kitchen—so we decided to open up that space and turn it into a larger area with a bar.” And what a transformation. Julia’s favorite highlights?

ARTICLE BY CARLY TAMBORSKI PHOTOGRAPHY

BY OLGA POLO PHOTOGRAPHY

The Collaboration

“When you’ve worked with someone before, there’s a level of trust when it comes to knowing what’s aesthetically pleasing.”

“The way we collaborated with the contractor, and the fact the client was so open-minded, always makes a huge difference in a project,” Julia says. Together, they tossed a few ideas around.

“We were thinking cigar bar, then wine storage, and it kind of morphed into what it is now—a traditional-looking bar, plus another place to sit at the corner table. We always knew it was going to be some kind of bar, but it transformed into ‘Let’s make it a nice bar, but with other purposes, too.’”

The Flow

“The ability to really transition this space—from their older, traditional home design to this new look—was pretty seamless. You can’t really tell what’s old and what’s new,” Julia smiles.

These clients enjoyed football and family—and liked the idea of having two spaces that could intertwine seamlessly. “It’s good for entertaining, because the spaces are adjacent to each other—you can watch football in the family room, but also have friends in the remodeled space and still feel like you’re together.”

The Style The Creative Process

“I was really happy with the style the clients went with … not too modern, but not too traditional by any means,” Julia says. “I like that they were open to having some interesting colors, finishes and textures. They wanted a little bit of drama, so we did add some darker tones that kind of ‘popped,’ paired with natural and neutral tones. I was happy they were open-minded with the colors and the fabrics.”

“The color scheme was all me—the clients had no preexisting anything—they let me work from a blank slate.” A designer’s dream. “Having worked with them in the past, they were already familiar with my own personal style and knew what I was capable of. So they said, ‘Do your thing!’ based on some initial concept images. After seeing the look they were wanting, I pulled together all the fabrics and finishes—and they loved it.”

JuliaBenderInteriors.com 513.889.6478

Cincinnati’s Premier Contemporary Quilting Studio

The Studio is home to over 5,000 bolts of fabric. We strive to provide a selection of current fabrics, threads, patterns, books, notions and supplies for quilters in the Tri-State area. Hire us to professionally quilt, or train on our machines and quilt it yourself! We hope to become your go-to shop for all your quilting needs! 513.683.3666 | quiltersstudioofloveland.com | V @quiltersstudio |

BEER WITH ME

Catch This Local Brewer Sharing His Own Brand of Beer Wisdom, Beer Biz and Beer Love

ARTICLE BY NICOLE BROWNING

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When you talk to Adam Mills, director of Brewing Operations at Sonder Brewing, his passion and sincerity are overwhelmingly evident. A man with a carefree smile and a story for every occasion, he’s a wealth of brewing knowledge—and unlike you might think, he’s willing to share that craft with the world, and does so frequently through his YouTube channel “Adam Makes Beer.” Right away, it’s easy to see that Adam doesn’t do any of this because he has to, but because he wants to. Maybe even needs to?

Adam’s journey to this point is engaging (no surprise). “I taught social studies at alternative schools back in Michigan, and while I enjoyed that, it was pretty intense,” Adam explains of his time before— before the move to Ohio, before the beer world even entered his life. You may be wondering: how did he get into brewing, let alone become a YouTube creator with 6K+ subscribers? “A very long time ago, my wife and I started throwing an Oktoberfest party to bring our family and friends together. One year, a friend of mine says, ‘Next year,  you’re making the beer for Oktoberfest.’ And I was like, yeah, I’ll give it a shot—that was kind of my jumping-off point.” Adam started listening to podcasts (shout out to “The Brewing Network”) and entering home-brewing contests before completely diving in headfirst.

And while Adam now directs brewing operations by day at Sonder, in his “downtime,” he also makes content to share his wealth

of knowledge. “Since leaving the education world, I’ve missed the teaching and mentoring part.” There isn’t a ton of brewing content out in the world, so Adam went about changing that one YouTube video at a time. Tips. Tricks. Recipes. Industry gurus. Fellow brewers. He covers—and shares—it all. Something many in the industry don’t. Not to mention Adam’s commitment to helping the next generation of brewers. “I try to approach the whole thing as ‘I don’t know everything.’ I’ve been doing this for 13 years, and this is what I’ve learned so far. I want to show people my path as I continue to grow as a brewer.”

But to Adam, brewing is more than beer. “My grandmothers are Polish and Italian, and they love you with food. Brewing beer started because I can share it with people. It’s a very comfortable thing for me to think about—you show someone you love them by feeding them, right? Drink fits right in with that,” Adam smiles, his passion (again) shining through. “I love the idea of hospitality. And I like the history of beer,” the ex-history teacher states. “I like the culture. I think when a pub is doing it right, it’s a place for community.”

So what is Adam digging in the brewing world right now? “I really like a style called Italian Pils, which is like a mash-up of a couple of historical styles. It’s a nice pale, crisp beer, firmly bitter with a little pop of New World character and dry hop. It has a little bit more robust flavor and aroma profile as far as hops go.” A reco we’ll take any day of the week.

Interested in learning more about beer? This local expert (and brewer-mentor-teacherYouTuber) can’t wait to share it with you.

YouTube.com/@AdamMakesBeer @adam_makes_beer

“I LIKE THE CHALLENGE OF IT, I LIKE TO PUSH MY BOUNDARIES. THERE’S SO MANY ELEMENTS TO MAKING BEER, FROM THE RANGE OF RAW MATERIALS TO PROCESSES AND TECHNIQUES. THAT’S WHAT I FIND SO EXCITING.”

SOLO SHOW-MAYA EVENTOV

Cast Iron Kitchen Sinks

Innovative designs, thoughtful functionality, and tough-as-nails durability.

With clean, angular lines and spacious single-basin design, Kohler Cast Iron Sinks complement an array of aesthetics, from farmhouse-traditional to contemporary.

OPEN HOUSE | JOIN US

October 17 | 3 - 7 p.m.

Beautiful, New Showroom Featuring A Full Line of Lighting & Plumbing Fixtures Food, Drinks & Prize Giveaways

9583 Fields Ertel Rd Loveland, OH 45140 513 278 4001 store wisewaysupply com

As one of the nation’s leading mental health centers, we understand your journey is deeply personal. Bringing together unparalleled expertise, profound insights, and a people-first approach, we provide life-changing care and support, infusing every interaction with the underlying belief that lasting well-being is possible. We see beyond diagnoses — we see you.

FAMILY TRADITION

ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS

FARM-TO-TABLE HEIRLOOM RECIPES BRING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

“Weiss Baking Company is more than a place to buy desserts, enjoy a meal, or host an event,” insists owner Emilie Feldhues. “It’s a community hub. We believe in creating spaces where people can gather, share stories and build relationships.”

Emilie opened her scratch bakery and farm-to-table café, Weiss Baking Company, in late 2019; in November of last year, she relocated it to Goshen, adding a café and event center to its layout in the process. Since then, Weiss Baking Company has been garnering attention for its superb selection of food and drink, which stands out in no small part due to Emilie’s attention to detail.

“We make almost everything in-house from scratch,” she smiles. “We don’t use commodity products that come pre-made.” A challenge for sure. But one she willingly took on. “We wanted to make upscale farm-to-table food that not only tasted good, but was of the highest quality.”

That aesthetic applies to its facility as well. Weiss Baking Company’s spacious and accommodating dining room embraces comfortable farmhouse decor, with vaulted ceilings, subtle pendant lighting, and natural wooden tables and comfortable chairs throughout. A substantial bar lines one side of the dining room, with a complementary jam-packed pastry cooler endcap offering sweet treats for on-site indulgence or impulse to-go buys.

The café’s cozy seating includes a tufted sofa and leather easy chairs, with ornamental and decorative plants and foliage throughout. Additionally, an outdoor patio provides the perfect place to relax or enjoy dining al fresco.

But Weiss Baking Company’s real specialties? They’re abundant, including “Hangover Harry” (a house-made buttermilk biscuit with two fresh eggs, five-cheese blend, sausage gravy, topped with crumbled goetta and a side of house hot sauce); the “Warrior Burger” (their short rib brisket and tenderloin burger, smoked havarti, bourbon bacon jam, fried shallots, and garlic aioli on brioche); “Fiery Pennoni Pasta” (seared or panko-coated chicken breast, pennoni lisci pasta, house-made spicy creamy tomato truffle sauce, and pecorino); and their signature “Haus Potato Casserole” (shredded potatoes with a creamy five-cheese sauce, baked in a crispy cornflake crust). Hungry yet?

Of course, Weiss Baking Company also dispenses a delectable menu of specialty cakes and cupcakes, baklava, Danish tea cookies, and dessert bars. Premium beer, wine, inviting cocktails, and mouthwatering mocktails await patrons as well.

Family tradition is important for Emilie, who shares her name with a great-grandmother who operated her own bakery in the 1920s. So much so, in fact, that Emilie plans to carry forward much of her own family’s celebrated history into Weiss Baking Company’s present-day menu. “There’s an immense pride in knowing that every loaf of bread or pastry we bake is a continuation of my great-grandmother’s passion,” Emilie’s pride shines through. “It connects us to our roots, giving us a sense of identity and purpose.”

That tradition isn’t just about baking a cake or serving a fromscratch meal, however; it’s about preserving a piece of history, and it makes every day at the bakery a celebration of “where we come from,” she says.

Shifting operations to its current home in Goshen last year was a natural decision for Emilie, her family and staff—a blend of strategic business thinking and emotional connection, she explains. “We live in Goshen, our kids go to Goshen schools, and we love this community. The neighborhood has a rich history, much like our bakery, which felt like a natural fit. The community has been so welcoming, which was also a significant factor in our decision.”

Since opening its doors, Weiss Baking Company has enjoyed hosting and catering for Goshen Local Schools, and surrounding school districts as well. Emilie’s family is also active in the community—taking part in charity runs, the Clermont County Fair through involvement with 4-H, and supporting organizations like American Heritage Girls.

Emilie says she wants Weiss Baking Company to be seen as a cornerstone of community life with frequent popular events and functions, such as cake decorating workshops, game nights, and local live music—all intended to foster a sense of belonging. “It’s crucial that we contribute to the social fabric of our community—making Weiss Baking Company a place where memories are made.”

She envisions the space hosting even more community events in the future—happenings that appeal to everyone in the surrounding community.

“By providing a space where people feel at home, we hope to foster an environment where people can share a meal made by, served by, and in many cases grown by their neighbors,” Emilie smiles. And, while they may specialize in preparing delicious food, she adds that it’s equally important for Weiss Baking Company to be known “for the warmth, connection, and shared experiences it brings to everyone who walks through our doors.”

“IT’S ABOUT PRESERVING A PIECE OF HISTORY, AND IT MAKES EVERY DAY A CELEBRATION OF WHERE WE COME FROM.”

Rediscover Retirement

Redefine your golden years in a community that seamlessly blends comfort, elegance, and vibrant social living, Chef-inspired cuisine, all-inclusive services, and a wealth of enriching activities are specially designed to curate a fulfilling retirement lifestyle without the worry of long term leases, hidden fees, or unpleasant surprises.

WINENOT

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH A. LOWRY

Great business ideas abound, but for a variety of reasons, few are able to get off the ground (or stay off the ground). Then sometimes everything comes together. You say to yourself “why not?” and take the leap.

Or, if you’re Mark Wimmers, you say “wine not? ” and open a community-focused wine bar of the same name.

THE GRAPE IDEA

“WineNot Wine Bar began as a passion project—a challenge to see if my family and I could successfully run our own business,” Mark explains. “After working in a hospital for 15+ years, I wanted to step outside of

my comfort zone and create a welcoming, comfortable space for everyone to enjoy.”

At first, Mark and his family had trouble landing a location. Then, a serendipitous breakfast trip to Skip’s Bagels revealed the perfect locale in the form of a vacancy right next-door. They took the leap—WineNot opened in May, serving up great wine and good vibes in a home-away-from home, cozy-but-chic atmosphere.

“We take pride in introducing great new wines that can’t be found in the surrounding areas,” Mark says. “But you don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to come enjoy our space—we cater to everyone.”

A PASSION FOR COMMUNITY

WineNot not only offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for enjoying wine, but also serves as a place for community gatherings, events and entertainment—with space to host a party or small get-togethers—perfect for anyone looking for something casual to do on a weekday or weekend out.

Events include specialty wine tastings on Wednesdays with chef-curated food pairings, trivia on Thursdays, and small bands or local DJs on Fridays. Mark says they hope to start a monthly wine club soon. Because, wine not?

WineNotWineBar.com 12090 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati | 513.582.8687

Nosh, Nibble & Taste

If you’re looking for a house favorite to pair with WineNot’s shareable flatbread pizzas or hand-crafted charcuterie boards, consider:

• Vintage Cowboy Red Blend—Opulent flavors and exotic spice notes round out this popular pick.

• New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—New Zealand’s small amounts of rain and large amounts of sun make it the perfect location for this variety.

• Orange Rosé—A unique blend made with white grapes that have come into longer contact with the skin during fermenting.

• Moscato d’Asti—Sweet and dry, this variety is highly drinkable, light and slightly fizzy.

• Paper Street Zinfandel—A favorite choice for a special occasion with a bold flavor-bomb of an experience.

In addition to their amazing wine selection, the shop also carries a variety of liquor, canned drinks, and specialty cocktails and mocktails.

TEETH-FRIENDLY SUGGESTIONS:

» Crunchy fruits and veggies help remove plaque from teeth.

» Lean proteins and nuts keep kids full longer and are low in cavity-causing sugar.

» Chocolate and ice cream are better for kiddos than sticky candy because they dissolve quickly.

» Water: it’s non-abrasive, free of any harmful ingredients, plus helps wash food particles away.

COMPLIMENTARY

OCTOBER 5TH

One Stop Drop

Loveland Elementary School | 1:00 PM

What better way to welcome a new season than with a closet clean-out!?! This annual event hosted by the Loveland Sustainability Council provides an easy way to drop off reusable/recyclable items (including a shred truck sponsored by Move2Loveland). Join the council’s mission of the reduction of waste and promoting sustainability for the future of Loveland. For a list of organizations and accepted items, check their website. LovelandSustainabilityCouncil.org

OCTOBER 5TH

KidFest

Nisbet Park | 2:00 PM

Let’s get the Halloween celebration started early! Nisbet Park will be the hauntingly fun scene for this year’s Loveland-Symmes Firefighters’ Association’s FREE community kid-centric event. The day will kick off with a Halloween costume parade and include inflatables, games, activities, a DJ, trick-or-treating, food and more! What’s not to love? Gonna be a spookalicious time! LovinLifeLoveland.com/events/kidfest

OCTOBER 5TH

Toast to the View: Sip & Stroll

Valley View Nature Preserve | 5:00 PM

Enjoy an evening under the stars in support of the Valley View Nature Preserve—a treasured greenspace gem! This annual celebration and laidback party at the barns includes music, delicious food, and prize packages. Come support a nonprofit dedicated to conserving land, preserving history and sharing it with the Greater Cincinnati community. Advanced ticket purchase necessary. Facebook.com/ValleyViewFoundation

OCTOBER 6TH

The Quilters Studio Annual Parking Lot Sale

The Quilter’s Studio | 9:00 AM

Cooler temps mean it’s time to stock up on beautiful quilts to keep you warm all winter long. This annual sale includes several vendors selling fabrics, patterns and other handmade creations. The quilt shop will be open during the event, as well as Sharp Edge Sharpening Services to help hone your tools—you sew don’t want to miss the fun! QuiltersStudioOfLoveland.com/calendar

OCTOBER 12TH

Rockin’ with the Rustys

Lunken Airport Hangar 2 | 7:00 PM

It’s set to be an electrifying night with The Rusty Griswolds! Groove to timeless favorites performed by one of the most popular bands in Cincinnati—with proceeds from this rockin’ event going to support programs at Ohio Valley Voices, dedicated to teaching children who are hearing impaired how to speak, communicate and live fuller lives. Tickets are on sale now! Facebook.com/ohiovalleyvoices

OCTOBER 12TH

Return of the Frogman Festival

Downtown Loveland | 4:00 PM

This one promises to be a hoppin’ good time as Loveland (at last!) celebrates its famous cryptid, the Frogman. This brand-new family-friendly festival will include live entertainment, kids’ activities, food trucks, and of course, a visit from the Frogman itself. It's time to Leap Into the Legend for a day of fun and community. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration! LovinLifeLoveland.com/events/loveland-return-of-the-frogman

Want to be featured?

OCTOBER 19TH

Symmes Bicentennial 5K Fun Run and Walk

Home of the Brave Park | 9:00 AM

Calling all you walkers and runners—it’s time to lace up those shoes and head to the park for some bicentennial fun! This free 5K, one of the many events Symmes Township is hosting to celebrate its 200th birthday, is presented by Arlinghaus Heating and Air and open to runners and walkers of all ages. Pre-registration is required. SymmesTownship.org

OCTOBER 24TH

Magnolia Springs Trick-or-Treat and Costume Parade

Magnolia Springs Senior Living | 6:30 PM

It’s all treats and no tricks at Magnolia Springs’ Halloween extravaganza! Grab your cutie that’s a little spooky and bring a smile to a senior’s face. Let your little goblin show off during the costume parade and get a jump-start on all that candy. Entertainment will be provided as well. It’s sure to be a fab-boo-lous time! Facebook.com/MagnoliaSpringsLovelandSeniorLiving

OCTOBER 30TH

Trunk-or-Treat

Northeast Orthodontics Specialist | 5:30 PM

Come get your Halloween weekend festivities started at the offices of NOS! Dress in your most spooktacular costumes, grab those bags, buckets and pillowcases, and head to their parking lot on Montgomery Road for a full-blown candy bonanza—think spooky sweets and Halloween handouts. This fang-tastic event is free and open to the public. Facebook.com/NortheastOrthodonticSpecialists

ANDY MEYER Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor ameyer@vfplanning.com

MICHAEL FRANKS Senior Wealth Advisor mfranks@vfplanning.com

Unbiased Approach. Comprehensive Process. Ongoing Consistency. Fee Transparent. 7844 Remington Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242

P | 513-239-2933 W | vfplanning.com

Invest Now, Thrive Tomorrow

Over the last 30 years, the purchasing power of the US consumer dollar has been cut in half due to inflation. At the same time, the S&P 500 has gained 960% (8% per year) after adjusting for inflation.

Why you should consider investing:

1. Regain Lost Purchasing Power - Investing in market allows your money to grow, helping to counter inflation's impact on purchasing power.

2. Long-Term Financial Security - Strategic investing is an effective way to build wealth.

3. Diversification Opportunities -The market provides options to diversify lowering your risk and boosting potential returns.

4. Harness the Power of Compounding - Investing early lets you take advantage of compounding returns, generating more earnings and increasing your wealth over time.

By aligning your financial goals with the power of the stock market, you can take steps toward securing your future.

PUMPKIN PERFECTION

Put the carving tools down and check out how you can add some pizzazz to your pumpkins with just a paint brush.

the CREEPY crawler

For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.

Paint your “background” pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.