Mason & Deerfield, OH March 2026

Where Home Takes Shape

Home is more than walls and rooms. It is how a space supports daily life, reflects personal style and creates a sense of ease. In our March issue, we are highlighting the people and projects that help homeowners shape spaces that truly feel like home.

At The Glass Guru Mason, glass becomes both practical and personal. Whether restoring damaged windows or designing custom mirrors and dec orative glass, their team helps homeowners protect what they have while enhancing the look and function. Their repair-focused approach saves resources and preserves each home’s character.

The kitchen often serves as the emotional center of a household. In a recent renovation, the talented team at Brent Thomas Renovations worked closely with a Mason family to create a space that balances beauty with practicality. Custom cabinetry, architectural details and a thoughtful layout transformed not only the kitchen but also the laundry and mudroom. The result is a home that functions effortlessly while feeling warm and inviting.

As spring approaches, many of us begin to make plans for the outdoors. The Ohio State University Extension Office offers research-based gardening education that empowers residents to grow their own vegetables with confidence. From soil testing to harvesting techniques, their guidance helps homeowners build sustainable habits that extend home life into the backyard.

Together, these stories remind us that home is shaped through care and intention. Whether inside or out, the choices we make every day can create spaces that support how we live now and grow with us into the seasons ahead.

MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Karen Andrea

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amanda Stout, Lisa Fletcher, Marie Kriedman, Jonathan Stout

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Niki Wise Photography, Janie Jones Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

8: Fifty West teamed up with Deerfield Township to bring a family-friendly rink to the community. 9: The ice skating rink was centrally located in the heart of The District’s community space. 10: Guests could rent newly sharpened ice skates on site. 11: Fifty West’s festive hot chocolate and cider bar was a family favorite. 12: The ice rink brought cherished memories to the Deerfield community and Fifty West patrons. 13: Deerfield Township officials celebrated the grand opening of Shake Shack at the Deerfield Towne Center. 14: MADE Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Salt & Soul Wellness, a women-owned retreat center.

business monthly

Women Impacting Mason–Deerfield Summit and Speaker Series

The Women Impacting Mason–Deerfield Summit and Speaker Series was created to inspire women and men in the business community through powerful stories and insights from influential women leaders who are shaping the future of the MADE region. This year’s four-session series begins with the Annual Summit in March, featuring guest speakers and interactive networking centered on the theme She Builds. Learn more and register to attend at MADEChamber.org

WAWA Opens on Fields Ertel

Popular retailer WAWA recently opened its newest location in Deerfield Township. The company invested more than $7.5 million to redevelop an underperforming commercial property and bring its popular combination of food, convenience and unmatched customer service to our community. In addition to being one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the Midwest, WAWA and its foundation are also known for charitable giving and philanthropic activities. Welcome to the neighborhood! ChooseDeerfield.com

Spring Reset at PLAYLIST YOGA

PLAYLIST YOGA is a locally owned yoga and Pilates studio with locations in Mason and Montgomery. Known for music-driven classes and intentionally designed spaces, PLAYLIST's welcoming studio focuses on helping members of all levels build strength, consistency and connection. This March, new clients can enjoy $10 off a 14-day unlimited trial—including hot yoga, mat and reformer Pilates. Use code SPRINGRESET at checkout and welcome the season with movement that helps you feel stronger, clearer and more grounded. Playlist-Yoga.com

Low Level Laser Therapy

Treats a variety of conditions, from dry eye to acne/rosacea, from styes to bags swelling and puffiness under the eyes.

Sessions are quick and painless!

(513) 770-4220 // masoneyecenter.com 6667 Western Row Road, Mason, OH 45040 B

a CLEAR vision

The Glass Guru Mason elevates everyday spaces with custom mirrors, glass and more.

ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Most homeowners don’t think much about glass—until it stops functioning.

“You don’t know there’s an issue with the glass unless you can’t look through it anymore,” Lisa Chambers, owner of The Glass Guru Mason, explains.

That was exactly the case for Lisa, whose journey into the glass business began with a foggy patio door. When a window company told her the only solution was a full replacement, Lisa and her husband decided to dig a little deeper. A quick search led them to The Glass Guru, and instead of buying a new door, they bought a franchise.

More than nine years later, The Glass Guru Mason is a trusted local resource for homeowners looking to restore, customize and elevate their spaces through expertly crafted glass and mirrors.

“I picked Mason because it’s close to my home, and there wasn’t a glass shop here,” Lisa says simply. Today, that once-missing service has become a premier destination for everything from custom decorative glass to precision mirror work, all backed by hands-on craftsmanship and standout customer care.

That attention to detail is something clients notice immediately. Dan, a homeowner who turned to Glass Guru for a custom glass tabletop shares, “We had Glass Guru make a glass plate for our dining room table. They did a great job measuring the table, and the glass plate was spot on!” Lisa tells us it’s a common scenario. Clients come in with a specific need, and the team focuses on getting the details right the first time.

One of the biggest misconceptions she encounters? Windows always need to be replaced.

“We don’t replace the whole window,” she explains. “We fix them by replacing just the glass, window parts, etc. This is part of our great customer service.”

That repair-first mindset saves homeowners money while preserving the original integrity of their homes. It’s something many people don’t realize is even possible, and allows the Glass Guru team to build real relationships with customers by taking the time to explain options and walk them through the process. As Dan notes, “The men who delivered the plate were kind and knowledgeable. We learned a lot about proper care of the glass and what products not to use.”

When it comes to custom and decorative glass, the focus shifts from fixing problems to creating beauty. Glass can transform a space easily yet dramatically: cabinet doors that catch the light just right, mirrors that open up a room or a framed mirror that adds both function and style.

“As far as cabinets and mirrors go, they can really decorate your space, whether it’s adding clear or decorative glass to cabinets or mirrors for function or decoration,” shares Lisa.

The creative process starts with a vision, often from a homeowner or a designer. “Sometimes designers have already picked out decorative glass,” Lisa relates. “We find it, price it, cut it and either install it or prepare it for installation.”

The Glass Guru Mason works closely with clients to balance aesthetics, functionality and budget, guiding them through options with real-world examples and honest feedback. That guidance, paired with clear communication, is what keeps customers coming back. “I would call Glass Guru again or recommend them to family or others,” Dan enthuses.

After glass replacement, custom shower doors are the most common project Glass Guru handles, followed closely by mirrors, many of which now feature decorative frames. Tabletops, cut precisely to fit existing furniture, are another specialty, allowing homeowners to preserve beloved pieces while refreshing their look.

Current trends include decorative glass in cabinets, European-style shower doors, glass shelves and framed mirrors. “These are all elements that add sophistication without overwhelming a space,” Lisa describes.

What truly sets Glass Guru Mason apart, Lisa states, is simple: “Our customer service and our attention to detail.”

For homeowners, that combination makes all the difference—especially when glass is no longer just something you look through, but something you truly notice.

TheGlassGuru.com/Locations/Mason-oh

Beyond Custom Glass: More Ways Glass Guru Can Help

The Glass Guru Mason does much more than decorative glass and custom mirrors. Homeowners turn to the team for trusted solutions that restore function, improve clarity and enhance design—all with a repair-first approach whenever possible. From start to finish, every project is guided by clear communication, attention to detail and standout customer service.

Services include:

• Window glass repair and replacement

• Foggy window repair (often without replacing the entire window)

• Custom shower enclosures, including European-style designs

• Mirror repair, replacement and framed mirrors

• Glass tabletops and shelving, cut to fit existing furniture

• Window parts and hardware

• Glass pet doors

• Residential and commercial glass services

BRENT THOMAS RENOVATIONS TAILORED A MASON HOMEOWNER’S KITCHEN TO HOW THEY COOK, ENTERTAIN AND LIVE.

CRAFTING A ONE-OF-A-KIND KITCHEN

The kitchen is considered the heart of the home for good reason. It’s a bustling place where people gather to nourish themselves and their loved ones by sharing food, everyday triumphs, holiday traditions and milestones. Renovating a kitchen is a significant investment in the home and its value. Given all of this, it’s essential to embark on any kitchen updates with partners who will approach the project with careful planning, creative collaboration and custom solutions that function the way you need them to.

For Mason residents Jared and Monique Mattingley, their trusted partners were Brent Thomas Renovations (BTR) alongside interior designer Kelly Fanta.

Jared and Monique wanted a kitchen that felt warm, timeless and highly functional—a hub that supported family life while also providing the ideal backdrop for entertaining. They envisioned an open, inviting kitchen with ample storage, thoughtful architectural details and a high level of craftsmanship without the space feeling overly formal or trendy.

They also wanted the surrounding spaces, including the laundry and mudroom area, to feel just as finished and intentional as the kitchen itself.

“One of the most important elements of a successful kitchen renovation is investing the time upfront to get the design right. A kitchen is not just about finishes, it’s about flow, functionality, storage and how surrounding spaces work together. When homeowners understand that careful planning leads to better craftsmanship and fewer surprises, the result is a space that feels purposeful and serves them well for years to come,” shares Brent Crank, owner of Brent Thomas Renovations.

“OUR GOAL IS TO CREATE SPACES THAT NOT ONLY LOOK BEAUTIFUL, BUT ALSO LIVE WELL AND STAND THE TEST OF TIME.” -BRENT CRANK

The BTR process begins with listening and collaboration. They take the time to understand how their clients live in their space—how they cook, gather, move through their home and what isn’t working for them today.

“From there, we guide them through a thoughtful design-build process that includes detailed planning, design development, material selections, budgeting and scheduling before construction begins,” explains Brent.

This project was designed in collaboration with Kelly Fanta of House of Design, whose careful planning, selections and attention to detail were pivotal to the successful renovation. Her design vision provided a clear roadmap for the BTR team to execute.

"They were true professionals with a personal touch,” relates Monique Mattingley. “They took our collection of ideas, and with the designer's help, created a beautiful kitchen and laundry room that both function really well for our family.”

Kelly adds, "The Mattingley's invaluable input and our shared vision allowed us to craft beautiful, high-end spaces that balance design

with the functionality their large family requires. It was a sincere pleasure collaborating with both the Mattingleys and the Brent Thomas Renovations team to bring this stunning project to life.”

CUSTOM BUILT SOLUTIONS

The BTR team loves to include custom features and architectural details that elevate a homeowner’s space beyond the ordinary.

“THEY WERE TRUE PROFESSIONALS WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH. THEY TOOK OUR COLLECTION OF IDEAS, AND WITH THE DESIGNER’S HELP, CREATED A BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY ROOM THAT BOTH FUNCTION REALLY WELL FOR OUR FAMILY.”

"For us, it's about executing the client's vision with unique design elements. We want the finished space to stand out from every home on the block," says Brent.

Their in-house woodshop in Mason makes the process of crafting custom woodwork seamless. Every major wood element in the Mattingley project was custom built, including the floor-toceiling kitchen cabinetry, island, laundry room cabinetry, mudroom bench built-ins and arched cabinets with decorative glass. A bespoke pocket door for the laundry and a handcrafted arched pantry opening added one-of-a-kind architectural details.

“Exceptional craftsmanship is at the core of everything we do. From material selection and joinery to finishing and installation, every step is handled with care and intention,” Brent says. “Our goal is to create spaces that not only look beautiful, but also live well and stand the test of time.”

From start to finish, Monique was impressed with the BTR team as people and craftsmen.

“Our project manager, Evan Low, was here nearly every day of the project. He communicated the timeline and any changes regularly, worked with us to find solutions when adjustments were necessary and kept the job site (our home) tidy. By the end of the project, he felt like a member of our family. It was a pleasure to work with BTR on this project."

The final result is a truly special kitchen and laundry/mudroom filled with stunning, thoughtful details that delight and solutions that function. The project was ready for the Mattingleys to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones, and the spacious island and convenient, organized cabinetry made entertaining comfortable and effortless.

BrentThomasRenovations.com

PRO TIPS FOR BACKYARD GARDENING

ARTICLE BY MARIE KRIEDMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION OFFICE EDUCATORS SHARE VEGETABLE GARDENING ADVICE WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

A backyard veggie garden can bring gardeners joy during the growing and harvesting seasons. Some gardeners like to know where their food comes from, others want to reduce chemicals used in traditional farming or find relief from high grocery prices.

The farm-to-table movement has created renewed interest in how commercial growers produce the food we enjoy daily. Many view a backyard vegetable garden as a way to connect with the outdoors and make healthy choices for their families.

There are 34 active master gardeners in Warren County through the Ohio State University (OSU) Extension office. Greg Meyer is an extension educator focusing on agriculture and natural resources. He shares tips and advice for anyone interested in tackling a backyard garden for the first time.

FIND THE BEST SPOT

START WITH SOIL

Greg notes that it is important for gardeners to understand the soil they will use to grow their crops. “A soil test will measure soil pH and the nutrient levels in your garden,” he tells us. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. The ideal soil pH for most veggies is 6.0-7.0. This information is crucial so gardeners can fertilize the soil properly to encourage healthy growth.

Much like a cat will always find the best sunspot for an afternoon nap, vegetables need good placement to maximize sun exposure. “Vegetables need full sun to be successful,” Greg says. Ten hours of sunlight every day is ideal for the best growth. This rule applies whether crops are grown in a garden, a container or a raised bed.

HARVEST TO GROW

MONITOR PLANTS

Backyard gardens do involve a fair amount of work, and a laissez-faire approach to gardening will lead to disappointment. While there is no need to go to extremes, it is important to learn how to recognize signs that the plants may be distressed. Greg emphasizes that plants must be regularly monitored for insects, diseases or other problems.

Knowing when to harvest a crop isn’t an exact science, but “if you keep harvesting, the plant will keep making more,” Greg notes. “If you don’t, then production will slow down.”

Harvesting a crop encourages new growth as the plant tries to replace what was taken. This only applies when harvesting a portion of the plant, not the entire crop.

LOCAL GARDENING RESOURCES

Gardening was always a part of Greg’s life growing up. “My grandparents had a small farm in Northern Ohio,” he shares. “I developed a passion for livestock and agriculture while helping on the farm. I like to teach people how to help themselves through research-based education.”

The OSU Extension outreach efforts in research and student education were a perfect fit for Greg. “We use research-based education to help Ohioans improve their lives, families and communities,” he explains.

Leeoria Willis, an agriculture and natural resources educator and master gardener volunteer coordinator with the OSU Montgomery County Extension Office, advises new growers to make a plan before they begin their first garden. Each plant has different soil, water and sunlight requirements and unique planting guidelines.

She also recommends attending classes to learn more about all kinds of planting and to find new like-minded friends. She notes that some libraries host gardening classes throughout the year.

“Classes taught by master gardeners help residents better prepare for the gardening season, as well as promote gardening education throughout the year,” she says. “There is always more to learn, and residents can call their local extension office for additional support.”

Greg adds, “Master gardeners enjoy working with people in the community and we are available to help.”

The extension office provides the community with vital, research-based advice on topics such as soil health and pest management for both home gardeners and small farmers alike. Annual 4-H project exhibitions at county fairs in July also highlight the local extension office’s core mission of education and community building.

For more information about gardening education and extension office volunteer opportunities, visit Warren.OSU.edu.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”

PROJECT CREDITS

MARCH 4TH

Taste of Mason

Mason High School | 5:00 PM

Taste of Mason returns on March 4 at 5 p.m. at Mason High School. Sample a new dish, catch up with friends and be mesmerized by incredible talent at this beloved community event! Enjoy exciting offerings from many ethnic and independent Mason restaurants alongside a variety of multicultural performances. To learn more about the annual cultural event, visit MasonOhioSchools.com.

MARCH 7TH

Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival

Mason High School | 7:45 AM

The Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival is a Music for All Affiliate Regional Music Festival presented by Yamaha, featuring bands from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana in a non-competitive educational setting. Students will perform for an audience of their peers, family and friends. All-day passes to both stages can be purchased at the door for $12. MasonBands.com

MARCH 14TH

Run for the Green 5K Trail Run/Walk

Landen-Deerfield Park | 9:00 AM

Deerfield Township is hosting the Run for the Green 5K Trail Run/Walk on March 14 at Landen-Deerfield Park. The course features approximately 3.5 miles of densely wooded, winding dirt and mud trails within Landen-Deerfield Park. Cost is $22.50 per person with proceeds benefiting the Deerfield Township Parks. Sign up now at DeerfieldOh.MyRec.com.

MARCH 22ND

Family Woodland Walk

Pine Hill Lakes Park | 3:00 PM

Take a walk around Pine Hill Lakes Park looking for blossoming spring wildflowers. Join a guided nature walk with a Warren County Parks District naturalist. Discover more about the natural world in this engaging and educational series. This trail goes off the paved path, so please wear shoes that can get wet or muddy. Preregister for this program at ImagineMason.com.

MARCH 25TH

Connections MADE: Happy Hour

Cincinnati Camp Cedar Cabin & RV Resort | 4:00 PM

Connections MADE: Happy Hour is the Mason Deerfield Chamber’s monthly networking event designed to help attendees unwind, connect and raise a glass with community members and friends. Hosted on March 25 at Cincinnati Camp Cedar Cabin & RV Resort, this relaxed mixer combines conversation, drinks, appetizers and games. Each event features the Happiest Hour Competition for host venues. MADEChamber.org

MARCH 28TH

Underwater Egg Hunt

Mason Community Center | 1:00 PM

Dive into a unique adventure during the Underwater Egg Hunt at Mason Community Center on March 28. Kids will splash into the pool to search for eggs hidden beneath the surface. Each participant will swim, explore, collect eggs and receive a prize. Ages 5 and under require a guardian within arm’s reach in the water. ImagineMason.com

Excellent custom-built home on 5.817 scenic acres with over 4,100 sq. ft. Features include a remodeled kitchen with quartz/new appliances, hardwood floors, first-floor mudroom, and a family room with fireplace and built-ins. Primary suite offers walk-in closet, bonus room, and updated bath. Second floor includes laundry, remodeled hall bath, and loft space. Finished LL adds great rec space and storage. Highlights include a remodeled attached garage, detached four-car garage, heat pump and roof, and an enclosed porch.

Beautifully appointed home in Four Bridges featuring hardwood floors, a two-story family room with stone fireplace, and a bright, spacious kitchen. The primary suite offers a spa-like bath and walk-in closet, plus two additional en-suite bedrooms upstairs. Walkout LL includes a bar, theater room, and full bath—perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the landscaped backyard patio and oversized 3-car garage with epoxy floors. Recent updates include new HVAC (2024) and tankless water heater (2017). Minutes to VOA and Liberty Center.

“We had a great experience with Tiffany. She has a no nonsense, common sense approach that we appreciated. She’s a great communicator and was always available at any time

“We highly recommend Tiffany Allen-Zeuch! She was extremely knowledgeable about the market and relocation policies, and helped us price our home just right. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and friendly nature made the process smooth and stress-free. She’s also a skilled negotiator who truly had our best interests in mind. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”

— Lisa G.

~ Eusebia M.