Loveland, OH August 2020

AUGUST 2020

CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH

MEET OUR COVER DOG:

GONZO THE GREAT

NIGHT AND DAY: THE DIFFERENCE IS BRAIN BALANCE

A HOME MAKEOVER = A WEDDING

HOW TO VIRTUALLY ENHANCE YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

YO U R B E ST B U D D I E S WA N T TO M A K E S U R E YOU’ VE GOT A PL AN IN PLACE FOR THEM. T H EY M I G H T EVE N H AVE A F EW I D E A S O F T H E I R OWN .

For many, pets are part of the family. It’s never too soon to set up an estate plan that protects your pet if something happens to you. Aside from choosing their guardian, you can also designate funds that will only be used for their care.

At Wolterman Law Office, we make the process of setting up an estate plan easy and comfortable. Don’t let your pet end up in a shelter. Call us today for a free consultation.

513.488.1135 WoltermanLaw.com 434 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland

Initial Consultations Are Complimentary

Designing and Building Your New Home Bringing Value to the Product and Enjoyment to the Process

Existing Pond

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Tract/Lot 5

SOLD

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Call or Visit Us at 513-677-8991 johnhillconstruction.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Emily Barlow | emily.barlow@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Meinberg | stephanie.meinberg@lifestylepubs.com

Kiddos and Kindhearted K9s I THINK I’M GOING TO STRIVE TO BE MORE LIKE GONZO—COURAGEOUS,

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Mandy Geyman AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe

HELPFUL, STRONG, A TRUE INSPIRATION TO ALL. If you find it strange that I

LAYOUT DESIGNER

want to be more like our cover dog … well, you wouldn’t feel that way if you met him.

Dana Rudolph

This is the second year that we’ve run our Cover Dog contest for our August kids and pets issue—and Gonzo blew us out of the water (ironically, he’s usually diving into the water) with his unique and lengthy list of skills. It seems like everything he does, he does well. From winning doc diving championships to taking first prize at Nose Work challenges (scent work), he walks away triumphant almost every time. Perhaps his best and most heroic skill is being a service dog to his owner, Joe—alerting

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Henry Allen, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Bill Furbee, Natalie Shawver, Stephanie Meinberg CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matt Capps of Loveland Premium Portraits, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Three Little Ferns

Joe when he is about to have a seizure. The love and respect Joe has for his best buddy are evident from the first time you see these two together. It’s a beautiful bond.

I hope you enjoy reading more about Gonzo in Best Friend Extraordinaire.

As I mentioned, this is our kids and pets issue—of course, we have some great stories for and about kiddos, too. In An Act of Balance, you’ll read how a mother’s struggles with her son led her to seek treatment for him at Brain Balance.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Not only was the program successful for her son, she also found a new career

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

path for herself. You’ll see another example of a mother’s love in our Open House

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

feature, Designed to Dazzle. After redesigning her home with Nicole Russell from

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Lauren Alexandra Interiors, Caren Laverty decided to host a wedding reception

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

for her son and daughter-in-law—an event that had been previously canceled due

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

to COVID-19. And, if you’re a parent reading this and are interested in enhancing your child’s education (especially since the past school year in the actual classroom ended early), we weighed in with some experts on how their programs can help kids excel—and how they’ve adapted to bring these programs to the virtual world.

From fur babies to well, just babies, we’ve got an issue full of inspiring stories for you. We hope you enjoy!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Emily Barlow, Publisher ON THE COVER We love a dog in uniform.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT CAPPS OF LOVELAND PREMIUM PORTRAITS 4

Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH

Proverbs 3:5-6 Loveland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Loveland areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Loveland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 14 Tailwaggin’ Treats This Pet Supply Shop Has the Winning Recipe—Both In-Store and At Home

16 Online and On Track How Virtual Learning Is Ensuring Students Make the Grade

20 An Act of Balance Brain Balance Turns Potential into Reality

24 Designed to Dazzle Lauren Alexandra Interiors’

24 14

Updates to This Montgomery Home Are Wedding-Worthy

20

DEPARTMENTS

16

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Culinary Creations

16

Local Limelight

20 Inspired By 24 Open House 30 Financial Buzz 32 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report 34 Parting Thoughts

Curb appeal starts at your front door .

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GOOD TIMES

Sale on the Trail Loveland is known for its charming shops and unique boutiques—many of which came together June 20th for the first-ever Sale on the Trail. Booths, tables and tents lined the Little Miami Scenic Trail in the heart of historic downtown, making it easy for browsers and buyers to veer from the bike path to shop jewelry, clothes, home goods and more.

The perfect reason to spend more time outdoors.

Pete and Jennifer R. added this new porch to their Loveland home and are loving it! It features a fireplace, ceiling fan, overhead lighting and even outdoor heaters for those brisk fall and spring evenings. A grilling area is stationed just off the porch and next to the kitchen for everyone’s convenience.

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

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GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Best in Show Our 2nd annual Cover Dog contest paid perfect homage to our four-legged family members. From rescue pups to service dogs to canine champs, each doggo had one thing in common—all are well-loved. With so many furry faces to choose from, we wanted to thank everyone for their stories and submissions—and give an extra “belly rub” to our official runners-up.

4.

5.

6.

1. Duke | 2. Ginger | 3. Misha | 4. Reggie | 5. Sadie | 6. Sampson

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

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AROUND TOWN

EVERYTHING IN EARSHOT “Every child has the right to reach their fullest potential.” For more than 20 years, Ohio Valley Voices has been making a difference for children with hearing loss and their families, a feature we shared with you in February. In the spring, schools everywhere were forced to take their curriculum online—and OVV was no exception. Children learn to speak from ages 0–3, so taking time off from the classroom was not an option. Under the direction of Executive Director Maria Sentelik, OVV went 100% virtual. “We were determined to do something,” she shares. “Without giving children the opportunity to listen and talk through the devices, we would be taking away a very significant point of time.” Although the learning conditions weren’t

ALL PRESSURE, NO DIRT

perfect, Maria and her team made the best of

When we think of a “clean house,” it’s easy to

the situation. “Our staff came out of this stronger,

forget about the outside. Fortunately, Osborne Pro

better and smarter.” Moving forward, OVV plans

Wash has the services you need—they’re experi-

to utilize a mix of online and in-person courses.

enced professionals who specialize in soft-wash-

No matter the circumstances, OVV will always be

ing dirt and grime “from the gutters to the ground

striving to provide a brighter future for their stu-

and everything in between.” Owner Kyle Osborne

dents. OhioValleyVoices.org

has been remodeling homes for 14 years, but now focuses solely on soft-washing and pressure washing. This revamp puts all the pressure on dirt and grime, and takes it away from Kyle—allowing for more quality time with his family and better service for yours. OsborneProWash.com

YOUR DREAM DESIGN In their own words, “We’re more than just a landscaping company.” In fact, Finer Lawn & Landscaping has been customizing and remodeling outdoor living spaces for area homes and businesses for over two decades—patios, walkways, outdoor fireplaces and more. Recently, owner Donnie Powell upped his commitment for turning dream spaces into reality—partner-

GEAR AND MORE FOR DAYS

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you need for the colder months. Drop in for ski and snowboard gear and talk shop with Loveland’s winter sports experts. Looking for deals on summer supplies now? Vertical Drop is stocked for all

12

kinds of adventure. Grab apparel, equipment and

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

more—their end-of-the-season summer sale starts

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

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CULINARY CREATIONS THIS PET SUPPLY SHOP HAS THE WINNING RECIPE—BOTH IN-STORE AND AT HOME

ARTICLE STEPHANIE MEINBERG

tailwaggin’ treat s AGAIN. At EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point, you’ll find no shortage of doggie delights, from natural chews and antlers to busy-bones and more. Yep, you heard right—natural. This nutrition center and wellness spa takes your pets’ health seriously—as trained nutrition specialists, you can trust their selection of goods and gear. But it hasn’t all gone to the dogs,

Photo: Three Little Ferns

EVERY GOOD DOG DESERVES A TREAT NOW AND

just ask their in-store mascot, Gary—the shop is packed with everything you need for your favorite feline, too.

Want special something for your pup? EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point carries the Dessert Fairy dog cookies and are big fans of Brewhaus Bakery Dog Bones. If you’re more DIY, they love this easy summer snack you can make at home. If my own doggo’s reaction is any indication, they’re a hit (and won’t last long).

FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER

BANANA TREATS INGREDIENTS + 2 bananas (ripe) + 1 cup plain Greek yogurt + ½ cup smooth peanut butter (should not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute toxic to dogs)

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HarpersPoint.EarthWisePet.com 11328 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati | 513.469.7387 14

Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH

15

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

HOW VIRTUAL LEARNING IS ENSURING STUDENTS MAKE THE GRADE

O N L I N E A N D O N T R AC K ARTICLE BILL FURBEE

M I C H A E L D I S A LVO, A + T U T O R I N G / T E S T P R E PA R AT I O N

AND SOME OF THE SPECIALIZED SERVICES YOU

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU TAKE PARTICULAR PRIDE IN

English,” but I’ve been able to help students with the tools to

HELPING EDUCATE LOCAL STUDENTS?

get high scores regardless of the material—probably because

I take pride in helping a wide variety of students. With my

of my degree in psychology, and my knowledge and experi-

high-achieving students, we use advanced strategies in

ence with personal growth.

PROVIDE, ARE THEY DIFFICULT TO FIND ELSEWHERE? Normally, an ACT tutor is “good in math” or “good in

memorization and speed reading to get scores to the top 1 percent—but with my students who have learning disabilities,

THE CHALLENGES OF THE FEW PAST MONTHS—HAVE

we use different modalities to streamline study skills and help

THEY IMPACTED HOW YOUR STAFF SERVES STUDENTS?

them anticipate their success before they make it real.

The coronavirus situation—and the mandates handed down in response to it—have been a challenge. Luckily, I had experi-

WHEN DO YOU ADVISE PARENTS TO BEGIN

ence prior to this in helping students online. I will always prefer

CONSIDERING TUTORING SERVICES LIKE YOURS?

the human interaction of traditional tutoring, but it’s clear that

When the child is ready for the challenge. Working at a

technology and trends are pushing people online. I’ve seen the

different tutoring center some time ago, I remember the

strength of online learning in its flexibility of place, overcoming

terrible experience of seeing students who didn’t want to

challenges in weather, schedules and even vacation plans.

be there—it was a waste of resources to pretend they were

16

going to improve when they weren’t willing to do homework

APlusTutoring-TestPrep.com

or even their classwork.

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

TA R A C H I A P E L L I , K U M O N M AT H A N D R E A D I N G C E N T E R O F L OV E L A N D WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY? The Kumon Method is a mastery program, built specifically to smooth over and fill in the learning gaps so many children face. When situations like the coronavirus hit, learning becomes a challenge. The service I provide lifts the children of our community, working as a bridge to school curriculums and ultimately providing the community we live in with highereducated residents. Children who overcome educational shortfalls will become successful adults.

EXPLAIN HOW YOUR PROGRAM BENEFITS ANY STUDENT, REGARDLESS OF SCHOOL PERFORMANCE. Kumon works parallel to school curriculum and enhances learning, independence and confidence—because we don’t have timelines or requirements from the state, a child can advance depending on their need.

AND HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED ATTENDANCE? We’ve chosen to keep both online and in-center learning available—but expanded hours of operation to keep our numbers in the center to 10 or less. We also offer a twice-weekly Zoom class where students are placed in a virtual breakout room to work one-on-one with an instructor.

BUT YOU’VE DONE EVEN MORE TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN YOUR PROGRAM. We recognized that many families’ finances were impacted due to the virus—the franchise offered tuition assistance to existing families in need, so children could continue their learning without disruption. I feel lucky to have such a great support staff who adjusted quickly to the need for online learning, and assisted me with getting materials to students all over Loveland and beyond.

Kumon.com/Loveland-Central 531 Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland | 513.239.3000

THE SERVICE I PROVIDE LIFTS THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY, WORKING AS A BRIDGE TO SCHOOL CURRICULUMS AND ULTIMATELY PROVIDING THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN WITH HIGHEREDUCATED RESIDENTS.

CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

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19

INSPIRED BY

an act of balance

BRAIN BALANCE TURNS POTENTIAL INTO REALITY

ARTICLE NATALIE SHAWVER | PHOTOGRAPHY MATT CAPPS OF LOVELAND PREMIUM PORTRAITS

20

Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

ACHIEVEMENT: IT’S OFTEN DEFINED

Sherry Martz, current owner of Brain

AS A’S ON A REPORT CARD, A 4.0 GPA

Balance, saw this balance happen firsthand

OR WINNING THE COVETED TITLE OF

with her son, Dylan. From a young age, Dylan

CLASS PRESIDENT. It can be a mix of aca-

struggled with anxiety, depression and panic

demic and social prowess that students seek

attacks. After attending Brain Balance for

from their first day of kindergarten all the

three months, he started to understand his

way through graduation. But what happens

world better and his anxiety diminished.

when things are slightly off-balance and the

Brain Balance has been helping kids like

conventional education roadmap has your

Dylan since 2010 ... thanks to the impact on

child veering emotionally off course?

his life, Sherry knew she had to be a part of

Enter Brain Balance, a comprehensive,

this life-changing program, so she purchased

drug-free training program designed to help

the Loveland franchise location shortly after

kids improve focus, behavior, social skills,

he completed the program in 2017.

anxiety and academic performance. The

“The path his life was taking made

outside-the-box approach goes beyond

a complete turn in a healthy direction,”

traditional, mainstream tactics and helps

Sherry says. “I saw an amazing transforma-

children get to the root of their challenges—

tion in him. His anxiety was debilitating in

instead of masking them.

so many ways—including interacting with

The program begins with an assessment

his brothers and grandparents, trying new

that tests 940+ functions of the brain—the

experiences and eating new things. The

detailed results then help explain why a child

program enabled my son’s brain to bloom

could be struggling with ADHD, anxiety,

so he could be who he was meant to be.”

dyslexia, ODD, Tourette’s syndrome, autism

While Sherry can empathize with par-

or other neurological disorders. The results

ents who often blame themselves for their

reveal gaps that have occurred in brain

child’s struggles, she maintains it’s no one’s

development, as well as which hemisphere of

fault; however, the change they want to see

the brain (right or left?) is “behind” develop-

in their child requires a true team effort—it

mentally. If the hemispheres aren’t working

doesn’t happen automatically.

together, a child cannot function at his or her

“This isn’t a place to drop a child off and

age level. Once gaps in brain development

say, ‘fix my child,’” she says. Parents assist

are identified, the work needed to connect

daily with exercises at home, nutrition and

the two hemispheres together (and working

bringing their child to on-site sessions—par-

at the same age level) can begin—and that’s

ents’ involvement not only helps the child, it

where Brain Balance shines. Balancing

also changes the dynamics of the family.

the brain takes an average of five months.

“When a family member is struggling, it

Following this, each child is monitored for a

affects everyone in the family,” she says. “When

full year to ensure the work—the integration

that struggling family member gets help,

of that child’s brain—has stuck.

the family is then transformed. The time,

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH

21

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

effort and cost are more than worth it, because the program is life changing. This generation of kids has been hit hard by changes in our environment, societal fears and the effect technology has had on their

THE PROGRAM ENABLED MY SON’S BRAIN TO BLOOM SO HE COULD BE WHO HE WAS MEANT TO BE.”

brains. So parents turn to OT, PT, tutoring and behavior therapy—but none of that will work until you get into the infant brain and see how active it is in the child’s daily life.”

This “infant brain” is where the root issues lie, Sherry explains. Brain Balance retrains the brain and creates neural connections that were never there previously—a “whole child approach.” The active infant brain hinders development and the ability to reach each level of developmental milestones.

Beyond academics, behavior, social interactions or emotions, Brain Balance focuses on the development of both the child and their brain from the time they were born. By connecting the brain and the body to the appropriate age level, a child is enabled to function—learning, interacting with friends or regulating emotions is no longer cumbersome or off course. Most important, it’s all accomplished without medication.

“Medication is a Band-Aid—it enables the child to function day-to-day … but Brain Balance goes beyond what any medication or therapy can do,” Sherry says.

This holistic approach is ideal for children ages 4­–17, as well as young adults 18–24. An adult program will be available soon.

“Watching the connections begin to form

Dylan before Brain Balance.

as a child comes through the program is my favorite aspect of Brain Balance,” Sherry says. “A child will come in and won’t connect with us with their eyes or verbal communication. As they attend sessions, they begin to understand their world better; we’ll see eye contact and hear them start to talk a little— by the end he or she is a chatterbox. That’s what makes us smile. Another child’s brain has bloomed—and the connections are there for a better life.”

BrainBalanceCenters.com/Locations/Cincinnati 12084 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati | 513.707.0125

22

Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

Dylan today with a computer he built.

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OPEN HOUSE

Designed to Dazzle LAUREN ALEXANDRA INTERIORS’ UPDATES TO THIS MONTGOMERY HOME ARE WEDDING-WORTHY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ELIZABETH A. LOWRY

WHEN CAREN LAVERTY TOOK ME ON A TOUR OF HER MONTGOMERY HOME, REMODELED BY NICOLE RUSSELL OF LAUREN ALEXANDRA INTERIORS, I WAS REMINDED A LITTLE BIT OF MY JOURNEY THROUGH THE VATICAN MUSEUMS. No, her house wasn’t filled with bodiless busts and centuries-old tapestries depicting Medieval maps. Rather, I felt that way because there was just so much to look at. Nearly everywhere Caren pointed featured the touch of Nicole’s keen designer’s eye.

From embroidered wallpaper and a hairhide sofa to a custom dining room table and original artwork on the walls, the house’s new features simply beg to be seen. And while Caren and her husband, Bill, don’t have any plans to open their house to the public any time soon, they do have a major event in the works that will enable guests to view the fruits of all their hard work: their son’s wedding.

That’s right, like almost every event set to take place over the past few months, the family’s initial nuptial plans had to be altered due to the coronavirus and subsequent quarantine. In this case, the Lavertys swapped a big wedding at North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort for a more intimate ceremony and reception—at their house.

24

Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

Nicole added fabric-paper backed wallpaper to the Lavertys’ office walls.

Bill, Caren, Heather and Joseph

DISTINGUISHED DESIGN

The house also features fabric on the window treat-

Even though the duo has been working on house

ments by Stout and Cowtan & Tout; artwork from

updates off and on for nearly three years, in many ways it

Madeira artist Karen Rolfes and Gallery Veronique; fur-

seems as though Caren and Nicole had been unknowingly

niture by Jonathan Charles and Hancock & Moore; and

working toward this occasion the entire time.

paint from Sherwin Williams.

They first met on the tennis courts at the Club at

Another fun twist to the design relationship is that

Harper’s Point. Drawn to her personality and individual

Caren’s daughter, Charlene, works at New York City tex-

style, Caren initially asked Nicole to help her update the

tile company Pollack & Associates—and was able to help

drapes in her living room. Eventually that project led to

with the designs as well as obtain some of the textiles that

making changes in the dining room, then the family room,

Caren and Nicole used throughout.

the kitchen, the powder room, the foyer and the office.

“She’s such a warm person, smiles easily, is quick to laugh and has style in everything she does,” Caren

“It’s been a collaborative effort with Caren, her daughter and me,” Nicole says. “Charlene and I work in the same industry, and together, we’ve come up with some great designs.”

says. “Not surprisingly, I found her very easy to work with. She took the time to find out my style and helped me coordinate what I like so everything flows throughout my house.

COMMITMENT BY THE KOI POND Although Nicole and Caren have a few more design details to work through (reupholstering furniture, repaint-

”One of the major ways in which Caren’s house was

ing) before her son Joseph’s backyard wedding this month,

updated was the addition of wallpaper to many of the

Caren is happy that this work-in-progress happened to

first-floor rooms. Wallpaper is on-trend again, according

come together at just the right time.

to Nicole. And, to that end, they added a lot of unique,

“[Even though] they ended up having a very small

beautiful wall coverings to the house, including a floral

ceremony, we wanted to make sure the families and their

and avian pattern by Schumacher in the powder room.

friends were able to celebrate with them … so we offered

An off-white, embroidered paper was added to the foyer

to have a backyard reception,” Caren explains. “They’ll

and upstairs hall, golden-brown silk wallpaper now

have a small ceremony—even though they’re already mar-

graces the dining room, and a fabric-backed wallpaper

ried—so everyone can hear their vows to each other. We

enriches the office, all by Cowtan & Tout.

feel incredibly blessed.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LovelandOH

25

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED) The dining room features silk wallpaper and window treatment fabric

by Cowtan & Tout and furniture by Jonathan Charles.

Nicole helped Caren pick out window treatments, as well as paint colors in her formal living room.

The powder room’s wallpaper is by Schumacher.

The Lavertys also have a nicely landscaped backyard and pool area (thanks to Caren’s love of gardening) ... Joseph and his bride, Heather, will say their vows right next to the koi-filled pond that he and his friend dug when they were in high school. “It’s such a reflection of our son—the perfect place for him to celebrate his wedding, and Heather was happy about it as well!” Caren says.

To p 5 Ho use R emo d el Tren d s Many of us are tackling home remodeling projects while spending more time than usual indoors. According to Nicole, keep these 2020 design trends in mind as you redecorate.

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

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FINANCIAL BUZZ

to college and beyond FAMILY WEALTH ADVISORY GROUP ADVOCATES CONVERSATION AROUND COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS

ARTICLE ELIZABETH A. LOWRY

top tips for using college savings wisely

MANY PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

CONSIDER YOUR “WHY.” You decided to save up for your child’s

WANT TO MAKE SURE THEIR CHILDREN

college, but did you ask yourself what you expect in return? “Rather

AND

MORE

than focusing on how to save, you should focus more on why you’re

OPPORTUNITIES THAN THEY HAD GROW-

saving,” Ben says. “What do you hope the outcome to be from this

ING UP—A BIG PART OF THAT INVOLVES

gigantic financial commitment? Do you want them to have the

SOME LEVEL OF POST-SECONDARY EDU-

opportunity to go to parties and hang out or should they get a

CATION AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.

degree with some teeth?”

GRANDCHILDREN

HAVE

While attending a four-year college or university is often thought of as the next natural

EXPLAIN ANY RESTRICTIONS. What you expect and what your

step after high school, the term actually refers

child expects will likely differ—that’s why you need to have a con-

to a lot of other options—including community

versation early on about any and all limitations you choose to put on

or online colleges, apprenticeships, military or

the money. Depending on the type of career he or she chooses—for

specialized training.

example, getting a teaching degree versus a medical one—your

One way in which relatives can contribute to

allotment for that child may differ from that of a sibling’s. “Make sure

a child’s future is to utilize a 529 college savings

both parties gain a mutual understanding of the student’s plans and

plan or another savings account that is gifted

your restrictions ahead of time.”

upon graduation. Easy, right?

But before making the decision to gift money,

DISCUSS THE SAVINGS IMPACT. If you decide you want to give

Ben Linser at Family Wealth Advisory Group

your daughter $5K a year, you should also explain to her how to make

suggests first ensuring your investment is worth

that money go furthest. “If she commutes and decides to go to UC,

it by factoring in a few things to get an appropri-

that $20K has a way bigger impact than if she decides to go out of

ate return on any career-prep investment.

state or to an Ivy League school,” Ben explains.

KNOW YOUR VALUES. “If grandma and grandpa are big-time military people, then maybe they’ll give a child extra money for retirement or a Roth IRA—but they want to encourage the military first. They’re

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AUGUST

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

1

8

22

LIVE MUSIC ON THE ROOF

RRT’S LITTLE MIAMI RIVER CLEANUP

POLO, JDRF & BIG HAT CONTEST

Little Miami State Scenic River

You read about the Cincinnati Polo

music in the summer sun, you’re in

Soak up the sunshine and help keep

Club in last month’s issue, right?

luck. Grab your friends and head up to

our river clean! Join Roads Rivers

Now’s your chance to catch a match,

the Bishop’s Quarter rooftop for some

and Trails in another cleanup to sup-

don a stylish chapeau and support a

cold drinks and hot riffs from local

port the Little Miami Conservancy.

worthy cause—the Juvenile Diabetes

blues rockers, boys r back. Music from

Enjoy a five-mile kayak ride down the

Research Foundation. It’s outdoor

7–10 p.m. BishopsQuarterBar.com

river—simply collecting and cleaning

fun for the whole fam—spectators

up trash as you go. Then get treated

park six feet apart all along the 300-

1

to a brew-tastic after-party. Advance

yard sideline. Bring your tailgate

tickets required (fully donated to

faves and enjoy these riders and their

SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP ANNUAL CAR SHOW

LMC!), all supplies provided. 10–4 p.m.

ponies’ performance! 2 p.m. $20/car.

RoadsRiversAndTrails.com/Events/

CincinnatiPoloClub.com/Schedule.html

Bishop’s Quarter

If you’ve been itching for some live

Robert L. Schuler Sports Complex

Start your engines! It’s the 10th annual

Sycamore

Township

Car

Show. Cruise down to Blue Ash and register your vehicle ($15) between

8 MAKE A HIKING STICK

Cincinnati Nature Center

9 a.m. and noon. Then get ready to

Getting back to nature—an outdoor

strut your stuff—the show runs from

activity many of us have been doing

noon–3 p.m. Free to spectators,

a lot more of this summer. If hiking is

plus live music, food and drinks

your thing, join us at Rowe Woods to

on-site! Best in Show and other

craft a custom trekking pole. You’ll

class winners awarded at 3:30 p.m.

choose, cut, smooth and embellish

SycamoreTownship.org

your own honeysuckle branch—and

Would you like to get in touch with

be fully equipped to hit the trails.

us? We would love to hear from you!

Masks and preregistration required.

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Stick kits: members $7, nonmembers

LovelandOH using the Get In Touch

$14. 10–11:30 a.m. CincyNature.org

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

513 939-9033 Zoom & In Person

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

LOVELAND

NEIGHBORHOOD

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Stonebridge Farms

460,000

460,000

100%

147

3

3.1

Fairways at O'bannon Creek

465,000

465,000

100%

0

4

4.1

Symmes Creek

469,900

469,900

100%

1

5

3

Loveland Trace

475,000

465,000

98%

11

4

4.1

White Pillars

479,900

479,900

100%

7

4

3.1

Cedar Drive

494,900

477,900

97%

262

4

2.1

Oasis

525,000

503,000

96%

134

4

4.1

Walkers Run

525,500

534,000

102%

2

4

3

The Woods at Miami Trails

540,000

529,000

98%

23

4

4.1

White Pillars

599,977

530,000

88%

44

4

4.1

Eagles Pointe at the Oasis

669,900

657,000

98%

2

4

5

Eagles Pointe at the Oasis

689,900

660,000

96%

60

5

4.1

Willows Bend

779,900

755,000

97%

100

4

3.1

Oasis

949,000

915,000

96%

89

5

5.1

Lakewood Farms

970,000

1,060,000

109%

49

3

3

This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 2020. Source: Cincinnati MLS system. DOM = Days on Market.

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PARTING THOUGHTS

GONZO:

ARTICLE HENRY ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY MATT CAPPS OF LOVELAND PREMIUM PORTRAITS

BEST FRIEND EXTRAORDINAIRE OUR WINNING PUP WILL STEAL YOUR HEART— AND SAVE THE DAY

SERVICE STAR

IN SEARCHING FOR THIS YEAR’S “TOP DOG,” GONZO CERTAINLY MADE A SPLASH. This seven-yearold poodle is good at everything he does. He’s an award-winning dock diver, competes at an elite level of scent detection, and last year placed 18th for fastest poodle in the country. “I’ve had police come up to me at the competitions and mention that they might need to look into poodles,” Joe laughs.

Gonzo is also a medical alert dog. He’s trained to alert his owner, Joe Wahler, when he’s about to have a seizure. Joe keeps Gonzo by his side everywhere he goes—this doggo has always been the perfect companion. “He’s just ready for anything at any time,” Joe shares. “He’s so happy to make me happy.”

Recently, Gonzo was diagnosed with cancer. He’s already undergone a major surgery, 26 radiation treatments and almost four months of chemotherapy— but this hasn’t changed his winning attitude. In fact, Joe finds that Gonzo tends to be more himself on chemo days. “He’s even excited to go to the vet!” These two save each other, every single day.

No matter the challenge, Gonzo will overcome.

Special thanks to our contest sponsors, PetCare Animal Hospital, Dale Robertson Jewelry, and EarthWise Pet Harper’s Point.

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Loveland Lifestyle | August 2020

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