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There's a particular kind of chaos that happens in our house every August: backpacks by the door and a dog who clearly senses something is coming and is not thrilled about it. Four kids who spent all summer living in swimsuits and flip flops suddenly need new shoes that fit.
I love this season. Not because it's calm—it is never calm—but because it's full. Full of first-day photos on the same front porch. Full of post-waterballoon-fight paw prints on clean floors. Full of the particular love that shows up in a house with more than one heartbeat depending on you.

In this issue, we celebrate that fullness. Maybe your August includes getting a fresh look from the pros at CoCo Creative Wellness Salon, or getting your fur-baby some new back to doggy daycare accessories from 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming.
Because here's what I know firsthand from raising four kids and a full house— the families who make it look easy aren't the ones with the least going on. They're the ones who've stopped apologizing for the mess and started building a life around it. Those shoes by the door, the cat hair on the duvet? In this season, that’s just another type of love. In my case, there’s love just about everywhere you look! They will continue to grow, floors get mopped, traces of the chaos fade and eventually, we’ll miss this season.
Here's to embracing all the love, from both our fur-kids and non. With gratitude,

DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER @HYDEPARKCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Deborah Mekenese
Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson
Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Michelle Numann
COPY EDITOR
Ashley Skinner
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brendan Colantuono, Maria Connour, Linda Ditch, Kali Kasprzyk, Rob Pasquinucci
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Len Kaltman, Gary Kessler, RF Graphics, Julie Turner of Fifty West Brewing Co., Catie Viox/@catievioxcaptures
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson


QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler Proverbs













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2026 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance


1-7: The 48th Annual Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, presented by Barchetta Charitable Fund, and the sold-out Hangar Party, hosted by Executive Jet Management of Lunken Airport and sponsored by Torque Motor Suites, were held in June. More than 200 classic, vintage and exotic cars, motorcycles and private jets were on display over the course of the weekend, celebrating style and performance. All proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation, with a special focus on Juvenile Arthritis (JA).
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Cincinnati artist Marlena Hebenstreit celebrates the spirit of family by capturing meaningful moments between children, loved ones and beloved animals in finely rendered oil portraits. Her paintings go beyond likeness to convey character, emotion and connection within a single image. Marlena is now accepting commissions for one-of-a-kind portraits of children, families, pets and other loved ones. View examples of her work and learn more online. MarlenaHebenstreit.com
The Corporation for Findlay Market announces Findlay Forward, the public phase of their $21 million capital campaign. The campaign casts a bold vision for the future of Cincinnati’s historic community icon, aiming to refresh the facilities, expand food entrepreneurship and food access programs and preserve a legacy for future generations. Join the Bob & Jeanne Coughlin Foundation and help Findlay Market reach their final goal with financial support. Learn more and make donations online. FindlayForward.org
Cincinnati Country Day School announces Kiana Allen as the new head girls basketball coach. As a Summit Country Day alum, Kiana is familiar with the surrounding competitive landscape. During her tenure at Summit, she earned two state championships in soccer and three championships in basketball, where she also holds the school record for most three-pointers in a single game. CCDS looks forward to the experience and leadership that Kiana Allen brings to the program. CountryDayAthletics.net






ARTICLE BY BRENDAN COLANTUONO PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF GRAPHICS
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I spend my days helping others navigate the most difficult issues in their lives—whether that is anxiety, depression, grief or the difficulties that come along with changing family dynamics. What I don’t always mention, is that some of the best therapeutic support in my own life comes from a 60-pound Border Collie mix named Ivy.
When my wife and I adopted Ivy in January of 2021, we didn’t think she’d become a significant support system for our own mental health. But both the science and our own lived experience show she is exactly that. Studies show that interactions with your dog increase oxytocin (bonding hormone) and decrease cortisol (stress hormone). In other words, petting your dog is chemically similar to hugging someone.
I remember initially being skeptical about getting a dog; a dog is a major responsibility and would mean less freedom—a trade-off that younger Brendan would have immediately dismissed. But my life had changed. I was with the love of my life. We owned a house in idyllic Hyde Park. We both worked from home. I decided that there may never be a better time to invite a pup into our lives and I didn’t know just how true that would be for the years that would follow.



After our wedding in the fall of 2022, my wife and I set out to start our family and follow in the footsteps of the many couples walking their strollers and dogs around our neighborhood. Our journey, however, hasn’t been quite so storybook. We’ve suffered from unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, an experience that emotionally plunged me into the bottom of a uniquely deep, dark hole.
Individual and couples therapy played a huge role in helping me navigate through that time, but at most, we were in therapy just a few hours a month. Ivy was the consistent, non-judgmental, unending support for us that I strive to be as a professional counselor—so much so that I named my mental health counseling practice in Hyde Park Square after her. Conedera is a compounded version of “with Ivy” in Italian.
While Ivy is not a certified therapy dog and does not join me in session, therapists who offer this service have seen effective results. Studies have shown clinically significant changes in pain, anxiety, depression and well-being when animal-assisted interventions are used by a licensed professional. That said, as my wife and I have found, simply having your own buddy around the house can show statistically significant improvements for many populations as well. Older adults with pets endorse fewer anxiety and depression symptoms versus non-pet owners and veterans who are undergoing care for PTSD have shown that adding a service dog to their care can lower the odds of a PTSD diagnosis by 66% after just three months together.
Ivy won’t ever know how impactful she has been on our lives or the inspiration she has given me for my practice, but that is part of her brilliance. She picks up on non-verbal cues and reads the room when one of us is struggling. The daily routines that center around her are the emotional core of our everyday lives. In so many ways, caring for her has been the best way to care for ourselves. And for that I will be forever grateful to Ivy.

Brendan Colantuono is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Conedera Counseling in Hyde Park Square. Drawing on nearly two decades in business leadership, he brings a unique lens to clinical mental health therapy. Brendan specializes in support for high-performing professionals navigating work-life demands and individuals and couples facing fertility challenges, perinatal loss and evolving family dynamics.
Conedera Counseling
2702 Erie Avenue, Suite 207, Cincinnati 513.285.8441
ConederaCounseling@gmail.com
ConederaCounseling.com





ARTICLE BY ROB PASQUINUCCI


Fifty West Brewing Co.
There are plenty of places to eat outside in Cincinnati, but Fifty West Brewing Co. adds sand volleyball, pickleball and the nearby Little Miami Bike trail, making the experience more than a meal. Its menu, inspired by the great American road trip along U.S. Route 50 offers something for everyone and a true chance for the kids to have fun while the grown-ups enjoy some of the brewery’s great beers and tasty burgers.
Bike Trails
With hundreds of miles of multi-use, paved and off-road trails, summer in Cincinnati is made for two-wheeled fun. The Wasson Way, Lunken and Little Miami trails are easy to access and offer flat, paved routes for adventure rides. Nearby Mt. Airy Forest offers a bike skills course with hills and ramps to prepare you for its 6-mile mountain bike trail. Check out the CORA or Cincitucky Trails for other great biking in the region.
There’s nothing like summer in Cincinnati. Across the city, neighbors walk dogs through local parks, kids race down sidewalks on bikes and the smell of backyard cookouts drifts through the warm air. From the season’s unofficial kickoff with the Taste of Cincinnati food festival to the Labor Day Fireworks, there is no shortage of ways for families to stay entertained. Make memories from our end of summer bucket list. Cincinnati offers plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories close to home. Families can cool off at city pools
Cincinnati Nature Center
There are plenty of great hiking trails in the region, and one of the best is the Cincinnati Nature Center. An easy (and scenic) drive takes you to its 1,800 acres, including trails through old-growth forests, prairies, across streams and around ponds. If you visit with kids 12 and under, be sure to check out the PlayScape–this area allows unstructured play in a resilient version of local natural habitats for children to explore.
Canoe or Kayak the Little Miami
Yes, Cincinnati is on a river, but the smaller Little Miami River offers fun, family-friendly adventure close to home. Canoe and kayak rental companies dot the river, but planning a trip that floats by Milford gives you a chance to pull off at the Little Miami Brewing Company to visit the open taproom and covered patio. Refuel with some pizza and a beer before continuing your paddle down the river.
and splash pads, spend afternoons exploring the Cincinnati Zoo or cheer on the Reds during a summer night game downtown. Outdoor lovers can take advantage of hundreds of miles of multi-purpose trails, scenic parks and riverfront attractions that make the city feel alive during the warmer months. Throw in a day at an amusement park or the zoo and there are plenty of activities that will give the kids something to talk about when the school year starts.
Here’s our list of just a few ways to round out summer for your crew.


Photo by Catie Viox/@catievioxcaptures



Many of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods feature quaint business districts, often anchored by a restaurant or two. In many cases, these eateries have a patio or deck to dine outside and enjoy the warm weather. Some popular spots with kid-friendly menus to try include Delwood and Parkside (sister restaurants in Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout), Café Alma in Pleasant Ridge and Ripple or O’Bryons in O’Bryonville.
CINCINNATI-OH.GOV/CRC
Cincinnati pools are a favorite destination for families looking to cool off and have fun. Many pools have been upgraded to include splash pads or other features. At the Oakley Recreation Center, children run through spraying fountains and colorful water features while parents relax nearby. Affordable admission and the lively atmosphere at your neighborhood pool make a day at the pool the perfect summer outing.
SIXFLAGS.COM
A Cincinnati summer isn’t complete without a trip to Kings Island. With thrilling roller coasters, a massive water park and rides for younger kids, the park remains a traditional favorite. Beyond Kings Island, other summer favorites include the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, watching a baseball game at Great American Ball Park or visiting the Newport Aquarium. A summer with any combination of these attractions will be a memorable one for the entire family.







The team at 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming in Covington, Kentucky, is passionate about pet wellness. If you want to improve the longevity and health of your pet, Owner and Groomer Christopher Davis urges you to look to food. Just like for us humans, starting with a foundation of quality food is an important step.
“One of our guiding principles is to make animals look good on the outside, but we also want to make them look good on the inside,” says Chris. “The best way to do that is with a well-balanced diet. Wellness starts in the gut— healthy gut, healthy pet.”
The 4 Hounds storefront is stocked with everything your pets need: food, treats, supplements and gear to support a healthy lifestyle.
“If you can add just 25% of a raw diet,” he says, “you will see numerous benefits in your pet.”
Find a variety of healthy dry kibble, freeze-dried and raw foods, as well as a full line of bulk treats, CBD products and a variety of supplements for cats and dogs at 4 Hounds.
4 Hounds Gear & Grooming | 339 W. Pike Street, Covington | 859.261.7297 | info@4houndsgearandgrooming.com | 4HoundsGearandGrooming.com
Food, Treats & Supplements are the Key to Healthy & Happy Dogs & Cats
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF GRAPHICS

specific probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes, a patented blend especially designed to promote gut health and digestion.
ALLERGY & IMMUNE
SOFT CHEWS/NATURAL
DOG COMPANY
Soft chews with colostrum, chaga, turmeric, probiotics and adaptogens to support your dog’s immune system. Promotes relief of seasonal allergies.


COOLING DOG VEST & HOT PAVEMENT
DOG BOOTS/ CANADA POOCH

Pour this kombucha-inspired postbiotic on your cat or dog’s food for a tasty topper that offers digestive and hydration support.
DEHYDRATED GOAT MILK
PRIMAL PET FOODS INC.
Just mix, stir and serve this superfood rich in calcium and electrolytes for an immune system boost in dogs and cats.

BULK TREATS/4 HOUNDS
GEAR & GROOMING
Spoil your pup with jerkies and chews from 4 Hounds’

per chew, Suzie’s CBD Soft Chews are designed to help your

FREEZE-DRIED RAW NUGGETS
CHICKEN & SALMON RECIPE FOR CATS/PRIMAL PET FOODS INC. & FREEZE-DRIED DUCK RECIPE FOR DOGS/RAW DYNAMIC
Freeze-Dried Raw provides all of the benefits of raw nutrition without the mess. By freeze-drying fresh ingredients, the vital nutrients and enzymes are locked in, offering incredible benefits for your furry friends.
Newton Alexander, the 2-yearold French Bulldog adopted by 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming Owner Chris Davis and spouse Ken, gears up for the dog days of summer with a cooling dog vest and boots to protect sensitive paws from hot pavement. Shield your furry friend from intense summer heat with these products. As the unofficial 4 Hounds Gear & Grooming greeter, you may find rambunctious Newton behind the counter.


COCONUT TWIST STICKS/ WOOF ISLAND
A healthy alternative to rawhide, these fully digestible and tasty treats are made from all-natural ingredients that promote dental, skin and coat health.
SALMON OIL/WILD ALASKAN
With EPA, DHA and Omega 3, 6 and 9 amino acids, Salmon Oil is a skin and coat supplement for cats and dogs.


ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.

Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.


Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.




















Both Kids & Parents Are All Smiles for Back-to-School Cuts at CoCo Creative Wellness Salon
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEN KALTMAN



It’s already back-to-school season and top on the list for every Cincinnati parent is a fresh cut and style for their kids. A great kid’s haircut requires a special touch, with a blend of patience, skill and speed. Kenji Cummings, Owner and Master Stylist at CoCo Creative Wellness Salon, and his stylist team are up to the challenge.
With more than 20 years of experience, Kenji has developed a thoughtful philosophy for working with youth that makes CoCo Creative a salon for the whole family. Take a look into the kid-friendly approach of the master stylist that pursues his craft and leads his team with childlike joy.
Secure an appointment with the CoCo Creative team of stylists well in advance to work around busy family schedules and full salon calendars. Fall is notoriously packed.
Kenji talks his young clients through each step of the process. No surprises usually means no tears. Each appointment is a stress-free adventure that ends with a toy.
“I do my best to make it fun—a happy memory,” Kenji says.


DON’T HOVER.
Trust your professional stylist. Let them take the lead with your child so you can avoid a “save the drama for the mama” moment. Step into the waiting area and out of sight.
“You can’t force it,” he says, “but it’s easier to distract the kids if the parents are not in view.”
Kids are literal and a “haircut” sounds dangerous. A simple switch in language can make a big difference.
“Why would a kid ever want to go do something that sounds like it’s going to hurt?” asks Kenji. “The word ‘cut’ infers pain. I insist parents call it a ‘trim’ instead.”
With these tried-and-true tactics, Kenji and his team at CoCo make appointments for kids a fun and easy experience. The lobby is all smiles and giggles when three blonde brothers with fresh looks depart— and all under an hour.
“Coming here to this salon is not about convenience,” shares a CoCo client and father of the three young boys. He lives on the other side of town. “We go out of our way to come here—for Kenji. He’s great with the kids. And with me!”
Book your back-to-school appointments now with the kid-friendly stylist team at CoCo Creative Wellness Salon.
CoCo Creative Wellness Salon 4021 Eastern Avenue, #7, Cincinnati 513.713.1448
info@CoCoCreativeWellness.com CoCoCreativeWellness.com

























Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.







AUGUST 1ST, 19TH & 22ND
FC Cincinnati PreMatch at the Park
Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati | 4:00 PM
Before each FC Cincinnati home match, make sure you check out the PreMatch at the Park. These free events feature family-friendly activities like inflatable soccer games, an inflatable FCC slide, face painting, music, food trucks and other vendors to enjoy. Children and dogs are welcome and there will be lots of seating available. FCCincinnati.com/matchday/prematch-at-the-park
AUGUST 14TH
“A Raisin in the Sun” Starring Ruby Dee
Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Avenue, Cincinnati | 7:00 PM
As part of the Ohio Goes To The Movies! celebration, the Esquire Theatre will be showing “A Raisin in the Sun,” featuring Cleveland actress Ruby Dee. The movie tells the story of a family in Chicago navigating societal issues at that time. Contact the theatre for free tickets and details. EsquireTheatre.com
AUGUST 14TH
Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati | 7:00 PM
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will put on a production of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, at the Cascade Fountain. This event is free and features local food trucks starting at 6 p.m. The performance goes from 7-9 p.m. AultParkAC.org
AUGUST 20TH
Summer Music Festival
Ault Park Pavilion, 5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati | 6:00 PM
This August’s event features live music and includes inflatables, crafts, games and other activities. Food, water and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, featuring the food trucks Best Thing Smokin’, Sea Cuisine and Beverly Ann’s Cookie Truck. Activities for children run until 8 p.m., but the event continues until 10 p.m. AultParkAC.org
AUGUST 28TH
Art After Dark at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati | 5:00 PM
The Cincinnati Art Museum will have special hours as they present another one of their Art After Dark events. With generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program, these events feature a glimpse into the museum at night, offer food available for purchase and give an opportunity for community and discussion regarding the art presented. CincinnatiArtMuseum.org
AUGUST 29TH
Hyde Park Market
1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati | 10:00 AM
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., shop local at this artisan market, featuring local vendors and products created in the Hyde Park area. Find art, jewelry, flowers, food and drink available for purchase. Support small businesses from the community. Instagram.com/hydeparkmarketcincy





